A Man of the People Study Guide

Chief M. A. Nanga, M.P., praised as a true "man of the people," comes to be feted at his hometown grammar school. The Assembly Hall is overflowing as dance groups and the hunters' guild signal a great event. The narrator, Odili Samalu, resents such extravagance in inflationary times and wishes people were less ignorant and cynical and able to see that Nanga is using his position to enrich himself. In 1948, 16 years ago, a handsome, young Nanga is Odili's beloved teacher - and Odili is Nanga's favorite pupil. Odili takes pride in Nanga's early political career, and is active in the student's branch of the People's Organization Party (POP). In 1960, however, Odili is disillusioned when the POP government reacts to an economic slump that plays into the hands of its weak rival, the Progressive... (read more)