Final answer:
The District Commissioner's statement in 'Things Fall Apart' is not true as British colonization, which he represents, harms the way of life in Umuofia despite claiming to offer protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to a statement made by the District Commissioner in Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, when he tells the men of Umuofia, "We shall not do you any harm... If any man ill-treats you we shall come to your rescue." This declaration comes across as ironic and not entirely true, as the presence and actions of the colonial government up to that point have already caused harm to the people of Umuofia and their way of life. The British colonization brought about the undermining of traditional structures, led to misunderstanding and breakdown of Umuofian society, and instigated conflicts that would not have occurred otherwise.
For example, when the local leader Okonkwo is pushed to his breaking point by the changes and pressures brought by the British, it results in a tragic outcome. This contradicts the supposed promise of protection and well-being from the District Commissioner. The historical context provided by Achebe reveals that while on the surface, the British claimed to protect African interests and maintain order, their primary goal was to exert control and manipulate the local populace towards their own ends.