Journals Information
Sociology and Anthropology Vol. 4(10), pp. 876 - 886
DOI: 10.13189/sa.2016.041003
Reprint (PDF) (264Kb)
The Politics of Assassination in Democratic Nigerian Society: An Appraisal of Ahmed Yerima's Play, The Angel
Reuben Embu *, Samuel O. Igomu
Department of Theatre & Film Arts, University of Jos, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
As an effective medium of communication, playwrights use drama as a viable tool for socio-political commentaries. This paper uses Ahmed Yerima's play, The Angel, to critically x-ray the precarious nature of the political climate in Nigeria vis-脿-vis the affirmation of the widely held view that in the enterprise of politics, there are neither permanent friends nor enemies but only permanent interests. Against the backdrop of politics, in broad ramifications, being dubbed a 'dirty game,' the paper explores the various degrees of sordid and heinous acts that politicians unscrupulously indulge in to outwit rivals perceived as, somewhat, formidable encumbrances. These include conspiracy, bribery, betrayal, blackmail, kidnap, and at its most political assassination amongst other forms of political violence which are all indices of threat to Nigeria's democracy and national development. The paper concludes that although politics is a sine qua non to political leadership positions in the country, it does not necessarily have to be a do or die affair or a vicious battleground for wanton bloodshed. This, therefore, can be possible and become a reality if and only when political actors truly embrace politics that is premised on ethics and integrity, and having utmost regard for human life and for the people they want to lead.
KEYWORDS
Politics, Politicians, Political Violence, Political Assassination, Democracy, Nigeria
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Reuben Embu , Samuel O. Igomu , "The Politics of Assassination in Democratic Nigerian Society: An Appraisal of Ahmed Yerima's Play, The Angel," Sociology and Anthropology, Vol. 4, No. 10, pp. 876 - 886, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2016.041003.
(b). APA Format:
Reuben Embu , Samuel O. Igomu (2016). The Politics of Assassination in Democratic Nigerian Society: An Appraisal of Ahmed Yerima's Play, The Angel. Sociology and Anthropology, 4(10), 876 - 886. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2016.041003.