When a Groundnut Gift Became My Worst Career Nightmare

I am half-caste. My father is Nigerian and my mother is from Cotonou. When my Lebanese boss asked me and a colleague to drive his car to Cotonou, I was overjoyed. I finally had a chance to visit my mother’s homeland. On the day we prepared to leave, his son asked me for some groundnuts I was eating. I gave him a few pieces. Minutes later, he began vomiting and his neck swelled. We rushed him to the hospital where doctors treated him. When I explained I had offered him groundnuts, his mother slapped me. My boss then arrested me, and I spent 13 days in prison. To win my freedom, I begged and my wife and mother camped outside the gate. My boss demanded I pay ₦700,000 for the boy’s bills and docked half my salary each month. For four months I received no pay, yet other staff were paid in full. During that time I struggled to feed my pregnant wife and seven children. After four months, I was sacked. I asked him to settle the ₦430,000 he owed me. He threatened more jail. I left his company but, by God’s grace, found another job within a month. Be careful in all you do. The devil can strike when you least expect it.

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