Power Play, Politics, and Disillusionment in Emeka Nwabueze's A Parliament of Vultures

Abstract

This study examined the themes of disillusionment and politics in Emeka Nwabueze's satirical play, A Parliament of Vultures, contextualizing it within Nigeria's socio-political scene. The play's portrayal of corruption, inept leadership, and the exploitation of power mirrored the country's challenges, evoking a sense of disillusionment among citizens. Through satire, Nwabueze critiqued the Nigerian political system, highlighting the struggles of the masses and the consequences of unchecked power. This analysis explored how the play reflected Nigeria's realities, sparking reflections on governance, accountability, and the need for change. The only solution as a way out of the perennial political cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of Africa, especially Nigeria, will be the emergence of patriotic, selfless, honest, and diplomatic leadership that can identify and address the many challenges facing the country and its citizens. Marxist theory is the theoretical framework of this paper, which analyzed disillusionment in Nigerian politics across gender and concludes that unless corruption is dealt with and public office holders held accountable, the political decadence in Nigeria would remain a menace. The main crux of this paper is the exposition of the misnomer in politics, the fate of the nation, and the need for attitudinal change to restore sanity in the Nigerian political space.