Bad leadership causes suffering to the citizens.Discuss the truth of this statement basing your illustrations on the play Parliament if Owls by Adipo Sidang

 

 Poor leaders leadership negatively affects citizens.In Parliament of Owls, The owl enact oppressive laws that unfairly target non-owl birds. 

The owls enact bad laws that oppress non-owl birds, such as The Moonlight, which impose unfair curfews and taxes (pg. 1, 5, 33). Moonlight Law specifically bans activities like moonlight twittering and night-time movements for non-owls after 6 p.m., mandating all birds to sleep by sunset (pg. 21). Notably, owls exempt themselves from these restrictions, illustrating their privileged status above the laws they enforce (pg. 7). Additionally, the law introduces unfair taxes during a period of impending hunger among birds, justified as necessary for kingdom protection (pg. 33). This law is designed to benefit owls while disadvantaging other bird species, forcing them to abide by strict regulations that limit their freedom and resources. For instance, The Moonlight Law restricts non-owl birds effectively curtailing their freedom of movement.

The parliament of owls is exclusively for owls, excluding other bird species from governance and perpetuating inequality within the kingdom (pg. 48, 59, 60). The owls feel they are the only birds entitled to rule because they have the largest eyes (page 3) and Royal owl was chosen by gods to lead the birds (page 49). Royal Owl tells Money Bags that the gods chose them to rule the birds kingdom because of their intelligence (page 57). The parliament belongs to the owls only.Money Bags says the parliament is the revered House of owls, only for the choosen few( p48). It us guarded by Olok Tiga and the police owl ( page 59,60) Even veteran P. a reporter must get a pass or clearance from the police owl before accessing parliament. This exclusionary policy reinforces a hierarchical structure where owls hold all decision-making power, leaving other birds marginalized and voiceless in matters that affect their lives. 

Owls use threats and intimidation tactics to maintain their power, as seen in instances where dissenters like Tel Tel are targeted and (pg. 36, 72). Tel Tel is tasked with deceiving birds into supporting the Moonlight Law by fabricating imminent threats to the kingdom's safety (pg. 7-8, 10). When Tel Tel refuses, Red String resorts to blackmail and threats to enforce compliance (pg. 10, 14-15). 

In parliament, dissent from figures like Iron Lady and Feathered Beak is stifled by Money Bags and Socialite Owl, who manipulate proceedings to swiftly pass the law (pg. 29-32).Red String reminds all birds to adhere  to the Moonlight Law.Any bird that breaks this law shall be arrested (p74). This climate of fear discourages opposition and reinforces the perception that speaking out against the parliament's decisions can lead to dire consequences.

They resort to assassination  to silence opponents who challenge their rule, exemplified by the suspicious deaths of those who speak out against the parliament (pg. 36, 72).Money Bags and Red string have plans to use and dump Arum Tidi.They plan to send him to the gallows for he already knows too much( page 36, 38,125) When Money Bags suspects Arum Tidi of acting against their interests ( page 42) he orders Red String to take him to the Water Stone point and leave him there( page 43).His crime was singing a freedom song at a time when the birds are planning to stage a struggle for freedom against the owls. He is labelled a traitor (page 72). Arum Tidi is found dead.His body was   found floating in the river.It is said that he killed himself ; he was fighting his own reflection.He bled to death since there was no ambulance to take him to hospital-Nightingale was under instructions not to use the ambulance seven nights after the passing of the Moonlight Law (page 61). Money Bags and Royal Owl went ahead to warn all birds against speculating about the death of Arum Tidi page(69). Money Bags and Socialite Owl plan to kill Oyundi during the signing if the unity pact because of her role in the freedom struggle. It should be remembered that thirty three of Osongo's relatives were massacred. These acts violence serve as warnings to others contemplating resistance, maintaining a tight grip on power through fear and force.

The owl leaders employ propaganda to deceive and manipulate birds, creating false threats to justify their authority and suppress dissent (pg. 56). This parliament has perfected the art of propagating. Royal Owl tells Money Bags that for them to stay in power they create impressions by weaving conspiracy theories and propaganda.They create ideas, then create impressions then make these impressions look real even though they are not real. Tel Tel and Arumi Tidi have in the past been used by the owl to spread propaganda to ensure birds buy the owls lies. Tel Tel who used to propagate for the owls changes tune  and decides to stand with the other birds (page 6). She refuses to mislead day birds or any other birds with lies attracting threats on her life and freedom ( p10, 14).She refuses to spread propaganda anymore,especially on behalf of the wicked parliament of owls( page 11).Through skilled manipulation of information and the dissemination of fabricated threats, owl leaders like Royal Owl and Money Bags foster a sense of insecurity among birds. They propagate narratives of external threats and the need for owl leadership to protect the kingdom, even if it means sacrificing the freedoms and rights of other bird species.

In summary, the owl leaders in "Parliament of Owls" wield power through oppression, intimidation, violence, and propaganda, creating a climate of fear and injustice to maintain their dominance over the bird kingdom. Their actions not only perpetuate inequality and exploitation but also undermine the unity and well-being of all bird species, prompting resistance and a quest for justice among those oppressed under their rule.

 Freedom of movement is curtailed. A curfew is introduced

 Freedom of expression is denied. The bird that liked singing is made to stop

 Death. Some birds end up being killed, like the weaver birds who were killed in masses and later the hornbill

Taxes that are punitive are introduced by the parliament. Those who oppose these laws are thrown out of parliament.

 The other birds plan a revolution against the oppressive regime, and ultimately, some of them die.