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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Role of Propaganda in the Development of Indirect Rule in Nigeria, 1890-1929
Author:Nwabughuogu, Anthony I.
Year:1981
Periodical:International Journal of African Historical Studies
Volume:14
Issue:1
Pages:65-92
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:indirect rule
colonialism
History and Exploration
Literature, Mass Media and the Press
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/218114
Abstract:It is the view of the author that it was the deliberate manipulation of informed British opinion which led the Colonial Office to adopt the policy of ruling Nigeria through the 'native chiefs', which prevented that policy from dying an early, natural death, and which enabled the administrators on the spot to transform it first into a 'political doctrine' and then into a 'religious dogma' of colonial administration. Throughout the period under study the attention of the informed British public was not drawn to a static list of factors. The manipulators treated their audience ;; to different reasons at different stages of development, constantly ensuring the continuance and expansion of the system. Contrary to the generally accepted views, therefore, indirect rule in Nigeria was not the product of a 'shortage of staff', the need for 'continuity of administration', the unfavorable climate for European habitation, the need to involve Africans in their administration through their own traditional institutions so as to avoid 'spirited opposition' by the people, or the British conception of 'protectorate'. These were rather the arguments used by the manipulators to ensure the triumph of their system. Notes, tab.
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