This question is based on Kabir Alabi Garba's The Lekki Headmaster. "Red-tapism is found everywhere" means

Answer Details

"Red-tapism" is a term derived from "red tape," which refers to excessive bureaucracy, rigid adherence to official procedures, and unnecessary administrative formality that slows things down and frustrates people trying to get things done.

The statement "Red-tapism is found everywhere" means that excessive official formality is everywhere. The "-ism" suffix turns "red tape" into an ideology or systemic practice, emphasising that this is not ordinary formality but excessive formality, the kind that creates obstacles rather than serving any useful purpose.

The distinction between the correct answer and similar-sounding alternatives is important:

• "Official formality is everywhere" omits the critical word "excessive." Red-tapism is not merely about formality; it is specifically about formality that has become burdensome and counterproductive. Ordinary official formality is normal and necessary; red-tapism describes the harmful excess.
• "Red tape worm is found everywhere" is a literal misreading. Red-tapism has nothing to do with worms; it is a figurative term for bureaucratic excess.
• "Red tapes are everywhere" takes the phrase too literally, as if physical red tapes exist. The expression is metaphorical.