WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 17

Model answer

Points to develop: Statement of the central theme; Physical attributes of ACP Yakubu; His commitment to work; He believes in teamwork; His eventual success in prosecuting crime. The play laments the pervasive corruption and its negative consequences on society and individual characters in the play. Despite the corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric of the society and individual characters in the play, ACP Yakubu stands out as an exception to the endemic corruption. ACP Yakubu is portrayed as a ray of hope and agent of social change in the play. He makes sure that those who are complicit in corrupt games in the play don't go scot free. At the end of the play they are sentenced to respective years of imprisonment. ACP Yakubu is a man of 39 years old although he looks 50: the look reflects his ponderings on the incessant corrupt practices that characterise the country Jacassa. He is stout and heavily built. He wears a scar running down his face. He wears a characteristic frown, giving the impression of a no-nonsense officer. ACP Yakubu is a disciplinarian to the core. He is zealous and always stays abreast of current happenings. He is frequently '...in his office reading newspaper. He is unwaveringly determined to succeed in tackling crime. This is evident in his words: 'We need a rebirth that will lead us into a new dawn.' ACP Yakubu is reputed to have 'cracked so many crime cases to his credit.' ACP Yakubu is also presented as someone who believes in teamwork. He has a good working relationship with other officers such as Inspector Inaku and Constable Ojo. He also exhibits openness to Ogeyi when she comes to complain about the Chief's excesses and how her friend, Aloho has died through his (Chief) corrupt practices. ACP Yakubu would have loved to work with the cooperation of the commissioner but the latter is too corrupt and unyielding. Through his discipline, teamwork and determination, ACP Yakubu is able to prosecute the crime cases in the play. He puts Chief Ade-Amaka and others before court. He successfully gets Chief Ade-Amaka and others convicted. For instance, Chief Ade-Amaka is sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment; Justice Odili is sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment; The Commissioner of Police is sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment; Madam Hoha and Ochuole are sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment each and Ayo is sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment.