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-a-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.
Highlights
Political violence, as a socio-political phenomenon, has been for ages and part of human history
To set the right tone and platform for a sagacious discourse on the subject matter of political assassination, it becomes necessary to draw attention to a handful of high-profile killings recorded over the years in some of these African countries, Nigeria inclusive
One of the most talked about political assassination of the 20th century was the killing of the hero of Congolese independence, Patrice Lumumba
Summary
As a socio-political phenomenon, has been for ages and part of human history. Nigerians have witnessed several cases of political violence in the form of assassinations, bomb-blasts, intimidations, murders, and destruction of properties in time past and on the increase The effect of this menace in Nigeria is tending in some respects towards social disaggregation into its constituent ethnic and sub ethnic groups divisions. Political assassination is more often than not influenced by rivalry on the grounds of incompatibility of political motives and interests among political parties and politicians Bolstering this viewpoint, Thomas Hobbes rightly avers in his seminal work Leviathan (1996): “And if any two men desire the same thing, which they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies; and in the way to their end, (which is principally their own conservation, and sometimes their delectation only), endeavour to destroy, or subdue each other” [83]. It is against this backdrop that this paper engages in a critical study of this detrimental and devastating venture by politicians, using Ahmed Yerima’s play, The Angel, as a paradigm
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