A Man of the People

what are the character traits of mr.Nanga

chapter 1

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Chief M.A. Nanga is the country's Minister of Culture in the reigning P.O.P. political party. He is Odili's antagonist and competitor throughout the novel. Before venturing into politics, Chief Nanga was a school teacher from Anata. When he visits his former school, he recognizes Odili as one of his old students and invites him to stay at his home in the capital. Through Odili's narration, we see Chief Nanga as a power-hungry, selfish, and corrupt politician. His interest in Odili is rooted in his former student's privilege, and he unscrupulously hurts the common man in an effort to promote his luxurious personal agenda.

When Chief Nanga sleeps with Odili's then-girlfriend, Elsie, it sparks Odili to take revenge on the Minister. Odili then aims to contest Chief Nanga's political seat and to steal his newest wife. Chief Nanga slanders Odili throughout his campaign and orders his followers to harass and berate his competition. In one of the story's closing scenes, the Chief notices that Odili has disguised himself and snuck into the incumbent's rally. Chief Nanga brings Odili onstage and embarrasses the young candidate, and then he beats him. During Odili's hospitalization and recovery, we find that Chief Nanga has won the election unopposed. However, his government is overthrown and he is arrested following the military coup.