Stefan Brugman stood up. “I represent a number of shareholders. Leventis is against with six hundred and one thousand eight hundred thirty-nine votes. Unity Bank is against with forty-three thousand thirteen. Pondstream is against with one thousand. Citibank is against with seventeen thousand two hundred fifty-three and finally FinBank is against with seven hundred and fifty-two thousand four hundred forty.”
The second broker, Mr. Etim Udoh spoke up. “One million, two hundred and seventy-one thousand one hundred twenty votes are against this proposal from the Nakanda Family of Port Harcourt.”
Mr. Odusote stood, “Okrika Consortium rejects this proposal with twenty-one million, eight hundred thousand shares.” By his side, Chief Okrika sat with a clenched jaw.
No one else was against and Edward breathed a sigh of relief. After a whispered exchange with Odili, he spoke. “I conclude that this item four has been approved by the meeting and we can move to the next item concerning the subordinated bonds.” This time only the two brokers and the Okrika contingent acclaimed. Edward loosened his tie as he called the vote. Yes!
“Agenda six calls for Bestman Group to accept the tender offer for acquisition by the Okrika Consortium.” The hall went up in a furor with several hands waving in the air.
“Fortify is against this proposal with thirty thousand and ninety-seven votes.”
“North Trust is against with sixty-seven thousand four hundred and eighty-eight shares.”
“The Bestman Employee Shareholders Meeting is against this proposal with three million, six hundred thousand, nine hundred and thirteen votes.” Ten of the representatives clapped for their speaker at this stage and Edward smiled at them in appreciation.
“Imagis of Enugu is against with one million, three hundred votes.”
“Mrs. Martin-Pepple votes against with one million shares.”
Edward smiled at her but his heart was in the grip of some tight machine. He bit his lip and searched the hall again. It seemed the chips were falling in favor of Chief Okrika who had forty-one percent on his side. He needed at least one percent more than that and so far only nine percent had voted. With his thirty-one, and his team yet to vote, that still wasn‘t enough. He was distracted from the internal calculations when people began murmuring.
“Mrs. Isioma Dehinde-Ojo rejects this proposal totally with four million shares.” A familiar voice said from the back of the room.
“This is not possible!” Chief Okrika shouted audibly. All eyes in the room turned as one. Aunt Isioma stood up and adjusted her wrapper. Edward could have fallen on his knees and crawled to kiss her feet where she stood.