Trickster Politician, Democracy and the Question of National Development in Nigerian: A Critical Inquiry

Vitalis Jafla Pontianus
Assistant Lecturer Taraba state University, Jalingo, Nigeria
DOI – http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2021.4704

Abstract

Since the election of the 45th president of the United States of America, the trickster character seems to gain more media coverage. This is because of the unique and peculiar style the presidency of Donald Trump played itself within the four years of his administration. Nigeria since independence have experienced series of crisis of diverse origin and background which has to a great extent crippled her national life and hampered her economic and infrastructural development. This study through discourse analysis of the trickster figure, x-rays the Nigerian politician who often gain political credibility through use of the trickster figure.  A figure who often appear at the liminal stage of the society with theatrical display of charismatic giftedness. This figure presents himself or herself as a charismatic leader who seems to have answers to the prevailing situation of the society or community, therefore, becomes an agent of anti-structure who engages in trickery and deceit. Through this device the trickster politician gains access to power and the resources of the community. The study therefore demonstrates that this has been a common style employed by most Nigerian politicians in the political system of the land.  The study suggest that this is one of the reasons why the Nigerian state is still bedevilled by economic and infrastructural underdevelopment. The study therefore opined that every politician should be elected based on objective credibility and not the strength of their political slogan or stage display of their charismatic abilities.

Keywords: Trickster figure, Politician, Democracy, Development, Political Party, Multi-Disciplinary.

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