AFRICAN DRAMA
Frank Ogodo Ogeche: Harvest of Corruption
Discuss the role of Chief Maladu Ade -Amaka in the play.
Explanation
Chief Haladu Ade-Amaka is the Minister of External Relations. He is notorious for his corruption and nepotism. Chief Ade-Amaka epitomizes the corrupt and depraved politicians who siphon the state's resources into their private overseas accounts. He symbolizes all that is evil in the society. He is heartless and corrupt. He demonstrates the penchant of African leaders for corruption. His visit to the Chief Justice after Aloho's arrest is significant in this respect. The first words of the Chief Justice, Odili, to him are,"Chief, you seem to take too many things for granted". This statement is an indictment on the politician's attitude towards the law, with collaboration from the likes of Chief Justice Odili. But Chief Ade-Amaka is shocked when the law will not spare him and he suddenly needs "to see a doctor" while in court.
The Minister has thought that money opens all doors. His influence and connections do get Aloho acquitted and discharged for lack of evidence, even though she has been caught red-handed with the cocaine at the airport. However, he himself is eventually arrested and is sentenced to a long jail term.
Besides his corruption, Chief Ade-Amaka is lecherous. He represents depraved "big" men who prey on young women and abuse them sexually in return for small favours and financial reward. He lures the vulnerable Aloha into his web and methodically inflicts physical, emotional and psychological pain on her. This treatment leaves Aloha devastated and leads to her early death.
Chief Ade-Amaka's end encapsulates the theme of corruption in the play. Corruption is evil, and those who indulge in it should not end well. The likes of Judge, Yakubu and Inspector Inaku show that it is possible not to be corrupt.
Points to note:
(a) Chief Ade-Amaka as Minister of External Affairs.
(b) His being an example of corruption and depravity in politicians and leaders.
(c) His exploitation of vulnerable women for sex and illicit business.
(d) His responsibility for Aloho's trauma and early death
(f) His arrest and deserved punishment, thus storing some faith in state institutions.