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CORRUPTION IN FESTUS IYAYI’S VIOLENCE AND FEMI ADEMILUYI’S THE NEW MAN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Corruption has long been a pressing issue in societies across the globe, undermining governance, eroding trust, and perpetuating social inequality. In the realm of literature, Nigerian authors have consistently shed light on this pervasive social ill, offering insightful critiques and reflections on the consequences of corruption within their country. This introduction explores the theme of corruption as depicted in two notable Nigerian literary works: Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man." Through an examination of these novels, we delve into the authors' perspectives on corruption, its underlying causes, and the socio-political ramifications it engenders.

Festus Iyayi's "Violence" presents a searing portrayal of corruption within the Nigerian political landscape. Set in a society where power and wealth are often attained through illicit means, the novel confronts the deeply entrenched web of corrupt practices that permeate various spheres of life. Iyayi's vivid narrative explores the intricate network of bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of public office, shedding light on the individuals and systems responsible for perpetuating this cycle of corruption. By exposing the corrupt acts committed by government officials and their impact on the lives of ordinary citizens, Iyayi challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of corruption and its corrosive effect on society.

In contrast, Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man" delves into the internal struggles faced by individuals within a corrupt system. Rather than focusing solely on the external manifestations of corruption, Ademiluyi delves into the psychological and moral dilemmas experienced by his characters. The novel follows the journey of a protagonist grappling with the ethical quandaries presented by a corrupt environment. Through the protagonist's quest to maintain personal integrity amidst pervasive corruption, Ademiluyi explores the inner conflicts and transformative potential of individuals who seek to combat corruption from within. The novel prompts readers to consider the personal agency and moral responsibility required to effect change in a corrupt society.

By examining "Violence" and "The New Man" in tandem, this exploration aims to highlight the common themes and nuanced perspectives on corruption presented by these Nigerian authors. Both works provide critical insights into the root causes of corruption, its far-reaching consequences, and the urgent need for systemic change. Through their captivating narratives, Iyayi and Ademiluyi invite readers to engage in introspection and critical analysis of their own societies, stimulating discussions on the role of corruption in inhibiting progress and social justice.

As we embark on this journey through Iyayi's "Violence" and Ademiluyi's "The New Man," we are prompted to confront the uncomfortable truths about corruption, fostering a deeper understanding of its complexities and implications. These literary works serve as poignant reminders of the power of literature to shine a light on societal issues, fostering dialogue and inspiring action for a more just and accountable society.

(Note: Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man" are fictional works created for the purpose of this response and may not reflect any existing literary texts by the authors mentioned.)

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Corruption remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue that plagues societies around the world, impeding social progress, undermining institutions, and perpetuating inequality. In the context of Nigerian literature, Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man" present powerful narratives that explore the theme of corruption and its multifaceted manifestations within Nigerian society. However, despite the authors' insightful portrayals, a comprehensive understanding of the problem of corruption as depicted in these literary works requires further examination.

The problem at hand is the need to analyze and critically evaluate the depiction of corruption in "Violence" and "The New Man" to uncover the underlying causes, consequences, and socio-political implications within the Nigerian context. This entails identifying the key characters, events, and systems that embody and perpetuate corruption in the novels, as well as examining the motivations and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the face of corrupt practices.

Additionally, understanding the problem requires an exploration of the broader societal and institutional dynamics that enable corruption to thrive. This includes an examination of the complicity of government officials, the manipulation of power structures, and the erosion of ethical values within Nigerian society as portrayed in the novels.

Furthermore, the problem extends to the investigation of the social, economic, and political consequences of corruption depicted in the literary works. This entails analyzing the impact of corruption on marginalized communities, the stifling of dissenting voices, and the perpetuation of social inequality.

By addressing this problem, we can gain valuable insights into the complexities of corruption in Nigerian society, broaden our understanding of its root causes, and stimulate discussions on the urgent need for systemic change. Through an in-depth analysis of "Violence" and "The New Man," we aim to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on corruption, fostering awareness and dialogue for a more just and accountable society in Nigeria and beyond.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Main Objective: The main objective of this study is to analyze and compare the depiction of corruption in Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man" in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes, consequences, and socio-political implications within Nigerian society. Specific Objectives:

1.  To examine the portrayal of corrupt practices and the individuals involved in "Violence" and "The New Man," identifying key characters, events, and systems that embody and perpetuate corruption within the novels.

2.  To explore the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists and other individuals in the novels as they navigate corrupt environments, shedding light on their motivations, ethical struggles, and potential for personal agency in combating corruption.

3.  To analyze the broader societal and institutional dynamics that enable corruption in the novels, including the complicity of government officials, the manipulation of power structures, and the erosion of ethical values within Nigerian society.

4.  To assess the social, economic, and political consequences of corruption depicted in "Violence" and "The New Man," particularly its impact on marginalized communities, the stifling of dissent, and the perpetuation of social inequality.

By accomplishing these objectives, this study seeks to deepen our understanding of corruption as presented in these literary works, contributing to the discourse on corruption in Nigerian society and providing insights for potential strategies to address and mitigate its detrimental effects.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.  How do Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man" depict corrupt practices within Nigerian society, and what are the key characters, events, and systems that embody and perpetuate corruption in the novels?

2.  What moral dilemmas and ethical struggles do the protagonists and other individuals face in "Violence" and "The New Man" as they navigate corrupt environments, and what are the implications for personal agency and the potential to combat corruption?

3.  What broader societal and institutional dynamics are portrayed in the novels that enable corruption, such as the complicity of government officials, the manipulation of power structures, and the erosion of ethical values within Nigerian society?

4.  What are the social, economic, and political consequences of corruption as depicted in "Violence" and "The New Man," particularly in relation to its impact on marginalized communities, the suppression of dissenting voices, and the perpetuation of social inequality?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Research Hypothesis 1:

There is a significant portrayal of corrupt practices within Nigerian society in Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man," with identifiable key characters, events, and systems that embody and perpetuate corruption in the novels. 

Null Hypothesis 1:

There is no significant portrayal of corrupt practices within Nigerian society in Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man," and there are no identifiable key characters, events, or systems that embody and perpetuate corruption in the novels.

Research Hypothesis 2:

The protagonists and other individuals in "Violence" and "The New Man" face moral dilemmas and ethical struggles in navigating corrupt environments, indicating the presence of personal agency and the potential to combat corruption.

Null Hypothesis 2:

The protagonists and other individuals in "Violence" and "The New Man" do not face moral dilemmas or ethical struggles in navigating corrupt environments, suggesting the absence of personal agency and the potential to combat corruption.

Research Hypothesis 3:

The novels depict broader societal and institutional dynamics that enable corruption in Nigerian society, such as the complicity of government officials, the manipulation of power structures, and the erosion of ethical values.

Null Hypothesis 3:

The novels do not depict broader societal and institutional dynamics that enable corruption in Nigerian society, and there is no evidence of the complicity of government officials, the manipulation of power structures, or the erosion of ethical values.

Research Hypothesis 4:

The depiction of corruption in "Violence" and "The New Man" has social, economic, and political consequences, particularly in relation to its impact on marginalized communities, the suppression of dissenting voices, and the perpetuation of social inequality.

Null Hypothesis 4:

The depiction of corruption in "Violence" and "The New Man" does not have any discernible social, economic, or political consequences, and there is no evidence of its impact on marginalized communities, the suppression of dissenting voices, or the perpetuation of social inequality.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study. 

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses specifically on the analysis and comparison of corruption as depicted in Festus Iyayi's "Violence" and Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man." It encompasses the exploration of key characters, events, moral dilemmas, societal dynamics, and consequences of corruption within the context of Nigerian society presented in the novels.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Corruption: Refers to the abuse of power, dishonesty, or unethical practices for personal gain, often involving bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, and other illicit activities that undermine the integrity of individuals, institutions, and societies. 

Festus Iyayi's "Violence": Refers to the novel written by Festus Iyayi, which serves as a primary literary source in this study. It explores themes related to corruption, power, violence, and social injustice within the Nigerian context.

Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man": Refers to the novel written by Femi Ademiluyi, another primary literary source in this study. It addresses the theme of corruption and examines the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a corrupt society.

Depiction: Refers to the representation or portrayal of characters, events, and themes in a literary work, providing a visual or descriptive account that allows readers to engage with and interpret the narrative.

Key Characters: Refers to the significant individuals within the novels "Violence" and "The New Man" who play pivotal roles in the exploration and development of the theme of corruption.

Moral Dilemmas: Refers to ethical conflicts and challenging situations faced by characters in the novels, involving difficult choices between personal gain and upholding moral values or resisting corrupt practices.

Societal Dynamics: Refers to the complex interactions and relationships among individuals, groups, institutions, and social structures within a society that shape behaviors, norms, and power dynamics related to corruption.

Consequences of Corruption: Refers to the various social, economic, and political impacts resulting from corrupt practices, including the exacerbation of inequality, erosion of public trust, hindrance of development, and marginalization of certain groups within society.