AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE

COURSE CODE: ELS403

COURSE TITLE: THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF CRITICISM

TOPIC: ANALYSIS OF ‘FOOTPRINTS’ BY ABUBAKAR GIMBA

COURSE LECTURER: DR. ATERE ISAAC

PRESENTED BY:

S/N NAMES MAT. NUMBERS

1. AKHETUAMEN VERACIOUS M. FAT/ENG/19/60036
2. OPUTA ISIOMA LILIAN FAT/ENG/19/55135
3. AGBORMA NKEM FAT/ENG/19/52919
4. FAVOUR VICTORIA VICTORY FAT/ENG/19/60726
5. ODANLUMEN OSAREMEN VIOLET FAT/ENG/19/52690
6. ABOLOJE BETTY FAT/ENG/19/53490
7. EHIMARE CHARLES VICTORIA FAT/ENG/19/56044
8. HELEN WILIKI FAT/ENG/19/58162
9. AGHO MERCY FAT/ENG/19/57693
10. OKINA CYNTHIA FAT/ENG/19/57622
11. AHMED OSIREMHE KHADIJAT FAT/ENG/19/51471
12. AGBAIZA SOPHIA FAT/ENG/19/59930
13. PAUL CHARITY FAT/ENG/19/51373
14. IDANEGBE GLORY EHINO FAT/ENG/19/51885
15. AKHIMEN REBECCA FAT/ENG/19/59277
16. UBREYE MIRABETH PRINCESS FAT/ENG/19/58533
17. UGOCHUKWU PEREZ UMEH FAT/ENG/19/59193
18. ADEGOKE ESTHER OLUWATOSIN FAT/ENG/19/57782
19. ALABA ZAINAB ESTHER FAT/ENG/19/54932

20. ATAKERE O. PRISCA FAT/ENG/19/57462

21. ARIEJA UFUOMA SONIA FAT/ENG/19/56339
22. AIGBIREMOLEN BENEDICTA FAT/ENG/19/59653
23. AHMED GRACE FAT/ENG/19/57536
24. AIDAGHESE BLESSING FAT/ENG/19/55492
25. AZIENGBE HOPE FAT/ENG/19/60342
26. EICHIE PATIENCE VICTORY FAT/ENG/19/59402
27. ITUA JENNIFER FAT/ENG/19/60836
28. AUDU FAITH MERCY FAT/ENG/19/54656

NOVEMBER 2023.
 INTRODUCTION

"Footprint" is a novel written by Abubakar Gimba, a Nigerian author. Published in 1992, the book
explores themes of love, politics, and social issues in Nigeria. It is set in the fictional town of Fada, which
represents a microcosm of Nigerian society.

The story revolves around the character of Mallam Haruna, a young and ambitious man who aspires to
make a positive impact on society. Haruna is torn between his love for Aisha, a young woman from a
privileged background, and his commitment to his political career. As the narrative unfolds, Haruna finds
himself entangled in the complexities of Nigerian politics, corruption, and power struggles.

Through the character of Haruna, the author delves into the challenges faced by the younger generation as
they navigate the socio-political landscape of Nigeria. The novel explores themes such as social
inequality, the clash between traditional values and modernity, and the struggle for personal and
professional fulfillment.

Abubakar Gimba's "Footprint" provides readers with an insight into Nigerian society, its cultural
dynamics, and the aspirations and struggles of its people. The book is known for its descriptive narrative
style, vivid portrayal of characters, and its exploration of complex social issues. It is considered one of
Gimba's notable works and has contributed to his reputation as a significant figure in Nigerian literature.
 PLOT

The key plot in the novel is the public issues, and the narrative that “mediates discussion on nationhood,
development and democracy”.

The “petroleum- rich” Nigerian state, confronted by socio-political instability, high degree of corruption,
mass hostility to the “public”, and poor macroeconomic management, continue to display the attributes of
a state in crisis. The background and setting of Footprints Songhai, is recognizably Nigeria as evidenced
in its acute scarcity of petrol and truncated transition programmes and incessant strikes

The acute scarcity of petrol and the continuous transition programmes from the military to the civilian
clearly typify a growing nation state striving to gain its independence from the shackles of colonialism.
Principal among these social indices of instability which make the nation divert from the path of progress,
are the problems of governance, rulership and leadership.

Even though Gimba has identified these aspects as political and ideological indices of underdevelopment,
the policy making of this nation-state, Songhai, is presided over by dreadful hordes of human predators”,
whether they are military or civilian. For instance, the incessant strikes, which seem endemical and
endless, pervade the society. For example, teachers’ strike, Bakers’ strike, unions strikes in addition to the
students’ clandestine activities which take the government by surprise all add up to a bad picture of the
society.

Then within the spate of weeks “The schools had at last been opened” and Haliyfah, “The soldiers were
like savours to him. Then came the solidarity rallies of support from the new military government, from
across the various segments and sections of the society. The foursome armchair commentators, namely,
Basil, George, Farah and Haytham criticize the military rulership. But it is the mass media ably
represented by the newspapers, “The Trumpeter”, The Insider” and “The Enquirer” that “urged the people
to give the new regime a chance.

Furthermore, it is important to state that Gimba’s focus in Footprints in not restricted to politics and
power management but also with other salient issues affecting most developing nations. Gimba has also
address issues of violation of human rights demonstrated both by the uniformed forces, namely, the
military and police, and the efficient secret police. There are instances or highlights on disregard of
human rights, for example, when Jibran is innocently framed and traumatized in prison, the nasty
experiences of Haliyfah and his associates in the repressive hands of the police. Besides brutality,
oppression, disillusion and despair, the novel also gives a panoramic view of corruption in its several
facets. Haliyfah’s ploy reveals the English teacher’s sexual harassment incident. The rampant riots,
demonstrations, flagrant hikes in fuel prices, long queues and many episodes of misdeeds fill the novel
while the themes of human frailty, human nature highlight guilt, personal grief and disillusions did not
escape the attention of the author.

Security of Life and Property is another issue Gimba highlights in Footprints. The novel also highlights
instances of insecurity as mentioned earlier. For example, we have instances of anxiety. The acute petrol
scarcity experienced by the citizens of Songhai and the attendant inconveniences and the escaping of
some fracas at the filling stations where some angry and frustrated individuals attempt to set the filing
station ablaze if they did not get fuel. That portends great danger to the entire people looking for fuel to
buy. Similarly there is the students’strike that results to almost breakdown of law and order and the clamp
down on innocent students by security agents.

The role of the media in public education and to enlighten the masses is highlighted. The media in
Songhai has failed in its primary functioning of educating and informing the public on the activities of
government. The leading newspapers in the country fail to deliver on its mandate of providing truthful
and unbiased information to the populace.
 SETTING

Footprint is a novel by Abubakar Gimba that is set in Nigeria. The novel is set in the 1980s and is a
reflection of the political and social climate of the time. The settings in the novel are varied and play an
important role in the development of the story and the characters.

1) THE VILLAGE: The novel is set in a small village in Nigeria. The village is a close-knit community
where everyone knows each other. The village is a place where traditions and customs are still followed,
and the people are deeply rooted in their culture. The village is also a place where poverty is rampant, and
the people struggle to make ends meet.

2) THE CITY: The city is a stark contrast to the village. It is a place of opportunity and wealth. The city
is where the educated and the wealthy live. The city is also a place where corruption is rampant, and the
people are disconnected from their culture and traditions.

3) THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES: The government offices are where the political power lies. The
government offices are a place of corruption and greed. The government officials are portrayed as selfish
and corrupt, and they use their power to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.

4) THE SCHOOL: The school is a place of hope and opportunity. The school is where the young people
go to get an education and to better their lives. The school is also a place where the students are exposed
to new ideas and ways of thinking

5)THE MARKET: The market is a place of commerce and trade. The market is where the people go to
buy and sell goods. The market is also a place where the people come together to socialize and to
exchange news and gossip.

Overall, the settings in Footprint are used to highlight the contrast between the rich and the poor, the
educated and the uneducated, and the corrupt and the honest. The settings also serve to show the impact
of politics and corruption on the lives of ordinary people.
 WRITING STYLE

Abubakar Gimba's writing style in "Footprint" can be described as vivid and evocative. He skillfully
weaves together descriptive language, rich imagery, and a deep understanding of human emotions to
create a captivating narrative.

Gimba's writing captures the essence of the settings and characters, transporting the readers into the world
he has created. Through his use of sensory details, he paints a vivid picture that allows readers to fully
immerse themselves in the story. Whether it's describing the bustling streets of a Nigerian town or the
serene beauty of nature, his words evoke powerful imagery and bring the scenes to life.

Furthermore, Gimba's writing style is characterized by his ability to delve into the complexities of human
emotions and relationships. He explores themes such as love, loss, and personal growth, creating
characters that feel authentic and relatable. His prose is often introspective, providing insights into the
characters' thoughts and motivations, which adds depth and nuance to the story.

Conclusively, Gimba's writing style in "Footprint" is a delightful blend of descriptive prose and emotional
depth. It captures the essence of the story, leaving a lasting impression on readers and inviting them to
reflect on the universal themes explored within its pages.
 THEME

“Footprints" is a novel written by Abubakar Gimba that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and societal
expectations in a Nigerian village. The story revolves around the lives of two main characters, Ahmed and
Zarah, who are deeply in love but face numerous obstacles in their relationship.

Ahmed, a young and ambitious man, comes from a wealthy family and is expected to marry a woman of
his social status. However, he falls in love with Zarah, a beautiful and intelligent woman from a poor
background. Their love is forbidden by society, and they face opposition from their families and friends.

As the story progresses, Ahmed is pressured into marrying another woman, Amina, who comes from a
wealthy family. Zarah, heartbroken and devastated, decides to leave the village and start a new life
elsewhere. Ahmed, torn between his duty to his family and his love for Zarah, is left with a difficult
decision to make.

The novel delves into the complexities of love and the consequences of societal expectations. It highlights
the struggles faced by individuals who dare to challenge societal norms and follow their hearts. Through
the characters of Ahmed and Zarah, Abubakar Gimba explores the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the
power of love.

“Footprints" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the cultural and social
dynamics of Nigerian society. It is a story that resonates with readers, reminding them of the importance
of staying true to oneself and the consequences of compromising one's happiness for the sake of societal
expectations. The novel explores various themes that are relevant to Nigerian society and the human
condition. Some of the prominent themes in the novel include:

1) TRADITION AND MODERNITY: The clash between traditional values and modern influences is a
recurring theme in "Footprints." The protagonist, Mallam Haruna, struggles to navigate the changing
societal norms and expectations while holding onto his traditional beliefs. The novel explores the tension
between these two forces and the challenges faced by individuals trying to find a balance.
2) GENDER ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS: The novel delves into the gender dynamics prevalent in
Nigerian society. It highlights the societal expectations placed on women and the limitations they face in
pursuing their dreams and aspirations. The female characters in the novel, such as Amina and Zarah,
challenge these expectations and strive for independence and self-fulfillment.

3) CORRUPTION AND POWER: "Footprints" also addresses the issue of corruption and abuse of
power. The novel depicts the pervasive corruption in Nigerian society, particularly within the political and
bureaucratic systems. It explores how corruption affects individuals and communities, leading to a loss of
trust and a breakdown of social values.

4) LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS: Love and relationships are central themes in the novel. The story
revolves around the romantic relationships between the characters, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and
sacrifice. The novel portrays the complexities of human emotions and the challenges faced in maintaining
relationships in a changing society.

5) SOCIAL INEQUALITY: Another theme explored in "Footprints" is social inequality. The novel
highlights the disparities between the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, and the urban and
rural populations. It sheds light on the struggles faced by marginalized individuals and communities and
the impact of social inequality on their lives.

Overall, "Footprints" by Abubakar Gimba is a thought-provoking novel that addresses various themes
relevant to Nigerian society. It explores the clash between tradition and modernity, gender roles and
expectations, corruption and power, love and relationships, and social inequality. Through its characters
and their experiences, the novel provides insights into the challenges faced by individuals in a changing
society.
 CHARACTERIZATION

The main characters in the novel "Footprints" by Abubakar Gimba are:

1) MALLAM HARUNA: A wealthy and influential businessman who is the central character of the
novel. He is a devout Muslim and a respected member of his community.

2) HAJIYA ZAINAB: Haruna's wife, who is also a devout Muslim and a loving mother to their children.

3) BINTA: Haruna's first wife, who is jealous of Zainab and constantly tries to undermine her.

4) AISHA: Haruna's daughter from his first marriage, who is caught in the middle of the conflict between
her two mothers.

5)MUSA: Haruna's son from his first marriage, who is rebellious and resentful towards his father.

6) ALIYU: Haruna's nephew, who is a troublemaker and causes problems for the family.

7) BABA GANA: Haruna's friend and business partner, who is also a respected member of the
community.

8) MALLAM BABA: A wise and respected elder in the community, who provides guidance and advice
to Haruna throughout the novel.
 LITERARY DEVICES

One notable literary device used in "Footprint" is imagery. Gimba beautifully employs vivid and
descriptive language to paint visual images in the reader's mind. For instance, in the line, "The moon hung
low in the sky, casting a spectral glow over the deserted streets," we can observe the use of imagery
through the description of the moon and its haunting effect on the empty streets.

Another literary device employed in the novel is symbolism. Symbolism adds depth and layers of
meaning to the story. For example, in the line, "The old, cracked mirror reflected her shattered dreams,"
the mirror represents the protagonist's shattered hopes and aspirations, creating a powerful symbolic
image.

Moreover, Gimba utilizes foreshadowing in "Footprint" to hint at future events or outcomes. This literary
device creates anticipation and suspense for the reader. For instance, in the line, "Little did she know that
her life was about to take an unexpected turn," Gimba foreshadows a significant plot twist or event that
will have a profound impact on the character's life.
 STRUCTURE

The novel "Footprints" by Abubakar Gimba follows a traditional plot structure with the following
elements:

1) EXPOSITION: The novel opens with the introduction of the main character, Ibrahim, a young man
who has just returned to his hometown after completing his studies in the city. The setting is also
established as a rural community in Nigeria.

2) RISING ACTION: The rising action begins when Ibrahim meets and falls in love with a young
woman named Fatima. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Fatima is already
engaged to another man, a wealthy businessman named Musa.

3) CLIMAX: The climax of the novel occurs when Ibrahim and Fatima's relationship is discovered by
Musa, who becomes enraged and threatens to harm them both. This leads to a confrontation between
Ibrahim and Musa, which ends in tragedy.

4) FALLING ACTION: The falling action of the novel deals with the aftermath of the tragedy, as
Ibrahim and Fatima struggle to come to terms with what has happened and find a way to move on with
their lives.

5) RESOLUTION: The novel ends with Ibrahim and Fatima finding a measure of peace and happiness,
as they are able to start a new life together in a different town. However, the memory of the tragedy and
the impact it has had on their lives will always be with them.
 POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN THE NOVEL

The political Instability in the novel Footprint starts with the government jettisons the policies and
programs of their predecessor with the effect that continuity is never guaranteed, the corruption of the
ruling class which turns the country from an oil_bloom society to an oil doom society.

In the book, Wahab and Raji argues that the political Instability owes much to internal factors and the
failure of the political class to strictly comply with the basic tenets of democracy and constitutionalism.
Due to political Instability the focus of leadership becomes more personal rather than for national
development. Gimba is of the view that the failure of leadership is both that of the leaders and the led.

This position is expressed by Nashaam, Halifa’s mother who says:

“we can’t heap all the blames on leadership…The led, the followership is just as culpable”.

The debate rages on with the issue of development which cannot be discussed as the leadership holds a
bastion to initiate schemes of development but with the selfish leaders both in Civilian or Military the
community cannot be transformed.

The writer shows that without mutual respect a defined vision a country cannot progress but the reverse is
the case here where there is no defined vision which causes fuel scarcity bad roads,and even most of
associations to go on strikes like the doctors, teachers, workers, and even insecurity due to bad
governance and the selfish leaders in Songhai.