Nigerian oral tradition in the book

Ikem is the storyteller-in the literal and in the political sense. He is the editor of the Gazette who spoke out on controversial and critical issues. The theme of storytelling begins in the cultural roots of the citizens, such as when one of the Abazon leaders says that in battle, the story is the most important element because it is everlasting. More so than the battle, the story that comes out of it is critical. While Ikem tries to do this to improve the lives of the poor and disenfranchised, those operating in favor of evil also struggle to control the story. For example, when conflict reaches its apex and Ikem is killed and Chris is forced in to hiding, His Excellency's government spreads the false story that both men were involved in a coup attempt. This is not true, but it is an attempt to give His Excellency leverage and freedom to operate as he wishes to advance his power. Controlling the narrative is critical for both factions in Anthills of the Savannah.