Political Intrigues, Maneuvers and Choice of Responsible Leadership in Emeka Nwabueze's Guardian of the Cosmos

Abstract: Literature as an art has been a tool for social criticism right from its inception. Hence, literature has been used in different ways through the ages to arouse patriotism and national consciousness. Apparently, its social functions have not only helped to improve and shape the society, but also been found indispensable for building a virile, healthy nation. Consequently, Africa’s unhealthy leadership and political experiences since the attainment of political independence have formed a veritable tool for literary creativity. Thus, literary artists in the three genres of literature (poetry, drama and prose) effectively mirror in their creative works, political intrigues and manoeuvres surrounding the choice of responsible leadership in their social environment. They have in varying dimensions exposed and criticized all manners of political atrocities, thuggery, election rigging, murder and assassination, bribery and corruption, injustices, armed robbery, embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, advance free fraud and the likes. In the light of these, therefore, this discourse critically examines how Emeka Nwabueze has authentically and effectively portrayed and tackled some of these political and leadership problems in his play, Guardian of the Cosmos. Against the above understanding, this discourse will carefully point out how such a literary sensibility will bring about improvement in the choice of responsible leadership and the needed socio-political change and reform in the nation.