Question 4
FRANK OGODO OGECHE: Harvest of Corruption
To what extent are the criminals justly punished in the play?
Observation
This was also a popular question as many candidates attempted it. Most candidates merely mentioned those involved and failed to identify their offences and punishment awarded.
The following points were expected from the candidates:
- Relation to the theme of the quest for justice in a corrupt society.
- Character identification: Chief Haladu Ade-Amaka- Minister for External Relations; Andrew, the Commissioner of Police; Justice Odili; Madam Hoha- She is the proprietress of Akpara Hotel at Darkin.
- Chief smuggles drugs and defrauds the state; Ochuole procures girls for the criminally-minded Chief Justice Odili accepts bribe to subvert justice.
- The punishment: Chief is sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for defrauding the state in addition to a fine of two billion Naira; The Commissioner of Police and Justice Odili are each sentenced to a prison term of 20 years for conspiracy; Madam Hoha’s brothel is closed. She and Ochuole are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each, for their involvement in corruption.
Candidates’ performance in this question was good.