Teju Cole’s Every Day Is for the Thief explores the paradox of corruption, which has significantly manifested in the Nigerian state to the extent whereby corrupt individuals are embedded deeper in Nigerian society. This situation, riddled with dirty dealings and corrupt officials, is demonstrated in the book. Besides, the various forms of corruption, including economic, political, and violent instances, portray the state of Nigerian society in the 2000s. (Cole 7). The author presents irony and characterization to illustrate several instances of corruption, bribery, and violence within the streets of Lagos. For instance, the book expounds on the ruling class’s power to manipulate the citizens by allowing corruption to exist. People are forced to pay bribes to acquire essential services. Therefore, Teju Cole’s Every Day is for the Thief explores the impact of social, economic, and political corruption, anarchy, and hopelessness in society and how they affect multiple aspects of social life in Nigeria.
Cole presents several instances of economic, social, and political corruption. He claims that corruption has facilitated underdevelopment in Nigerian society, and he believes that it can affect any nation’s progress when deeply rooted. Besides, the narrator identifies how the scale of bribery and corruption significantly affected Nigeria, which is known to be the largest oil producer in the globe. For instance, the narrator argues that the Nigerian government entails various corrupt aspects, including extortion of money at every transaction point. Cole states, “There is much sorrow that economic circumstances wear people down, preying on their weakness and eroding them” (Cole 18). The narrator describes how a fuel attendant gave him fewer liters of fuel than he paid for, and the policemen extorted money from the citizens not far from the anti-corruption banner. Additionally, some civil servants are not committed to doing their jobs of serving people, and traders pirate CDs. In addition, the public administration has several cases involving misuse of resources and funding.
Cole utilizes irony and characterization to present immoral acts influenced by survival needs. He shows how the Nigerian people undergo some experiences to fend for their families. As a result, the narrator indicates that people do not have a legit way of making money because of the government’s corruption. Cole states, “The systems that could liff many people out of poverty are undercut at every turn.” (Cole 16). Nevertheless, the narrator asserts that the police and government officials practice corruption heavily. This state is depicted by the bad state of roads, impoverished museums, wide economic and social disparities, occasional power outrages, and increased robbery and violence cases in the declining economy. The government cannot maintain the national museum, which is a significant place for understanding the Nigerian culture and enabling revenue that can boost the country’s economy.
Moreover, the book portrays multiple instances of anarchy. Cole argues that there is a breakdown of law and order while presenting multiple instances whereby individuals or institutions engaged in corruption, violence, and robbery. For instance, he witnesses the “Yahoo boys” scamming people through emails from an internet café and the tragic situation of a young boy accused of being a thief at a local market, who is later punished by getting burnt with a gasoline-filled tire. The author claims, “the Lagos people are unjust and harsh without considering an option of mercy for the 11-year-old boy caught stealing” (Cole 15). In addition, he insists that there is a threat of violence facilitated by greed among the ruling class and gangs roaming the city demanding money while maiming victims. Also, the narrator claims that Lagos City has a declining social order affected by privilege, making him realize that corruption is a social ill that affects people’s lifestyles. Furthermore, the book highlights brutal instances of vigilante justice, muggings, and kidnapping. These moments are exploitive and embedded in resonance and emotional power demonstrated by the narrator. The narrator presents evidence of internet café teenagers using emails to scam people. The policemen are supposed to follow the law and arrest them, but instead, they share with them the spoils or take their money and leave them to continue with their acts. Thus, the first-hand accounts of violence elaborate on the unsettling aspects of Nigerian life. Consequently, there are scenes of violence on the streets, including drivers of vehicles fighting one another after a collision.
Furthermore, Cole highlights a sense of hopelessness that Nigerian society experiences and cannot escape it. The many instances of bribery exhibited by some people and police officers are a significant example of hopelessness since people have no choice but to give bribes to receive specific services or favors. For example, the policemen demand bribes from drivers at each stop on the roads, and the narrator also elaborates on how he is forced to give a bribe when he is applying for a visa at the Nigerian Consulate in New York City Cole indicates, “And it is this poorly paid and heavily armed men who are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting citizens” (Cole 19). Moreover, internet fraudsters are working with the police, who are supposed to arrest them for their crimes. However, the narrator mentions hopeful people, such as a young woman on the bus reading a novel by Michael Ondaatje. This demonstrates the other side of Lagos, which includes the inner intellectual and quiet lives of Nigerians who anticipate a better city life. Therefore, the narrator develops an urge to visit universities, museums, music shops, and bookstores to earn about the nation’s artistic culture.
Conclusion
Teju Cole’s Every Day is for the Thief explores the impact of social, economic, and political corruption, anarchy, and hopelessness in society and how they affect multiple aspects of social life in Nigeria. Cole presents various instances of economic, social, and political corruption and claims that corruption has facilitated underdevelopment in Nigerian society. Furthermore, the book portrays several instances of anarchy whereby there is a breakdown of law and order while presenting multiple instances whereby individuals or institutions engaged in corruption, violence, and robbery. Lastly, Cole highlights a sense of hopelessness whereby that Nigerian society experiences and cannot escape, including multiple instances of bribery demonstrated by police officers and individuals in government offices.
Works Cited
Cole, Teju. Every Day is for the Thief: fiction. Random House, 2014.
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