A Man of the People

Chapter Seven begins after the exhibition, when Jalio and the editor of the Daily Matchet approach Chief Nanga and ask for a copy of his speech, offering him compliments. Odili reflects on having met the editor a few days ago at Nanga’s. He’d come because he had information that he was withholding to protect Nanga’s interests. Both men found the editor insufferable: he ate and drank too much, and told stories they didn’t care about. Nanga ended up giving him five pounds after he complained about being late in paying his rent. After he left, Nanga suggests to Odili that the five pounds was a bribe of sorts, to keep the editor from publishing trash about him. He then says that he doesn’t mind criticism from the press, if it is constructive—but he says it’s not. After Nanga’s speech, the editor promises to print it on the front page.

Nanga, Odili, and Elsie leave in the limo. Odili compliments Nanga’s speech and fondles Elsie. Back at Nanga’s house, Nanga has Elsie’s belongings brought to Mrs. Nanga’s room. Odili is angry at first, but then decides it’s best, for the sake of decorum. He plans to go up to her room after dinner to collect her, so that they can sleep together in his room downstairs.