NIGERIA TODAY, POLITICS AND IDENTITY IN THE LIGHT OF TWO SELECTED NOVELS

Abstract

This study is based on the dynamics of Nigerian politics as portray in the two selected post-colonial works of Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie. The research considers the role of identity in the post-colonial era and narrows it down to the Nigerian Biafra civil war of 1967-1970. It sets out to reveal the problem of identity that was prevalent in Nigeria during the civil war and the state of Nigeria’s politics during the period of the war. The study is based on different research materials such as internet sources, journals, textbooks and interviews. Achebe’s book is the most accurate, recent and comprehensive prose that has discussed the past, present and the possible future of Nigerian politics. Adichie, though never experience the war, skillfully constructs a tragic story that depicts accurately the event of the civil war. The findings of this research is based on the fact that, if the political leaders of the country will be able to compromise their diverse identities and the ethnic groups in the country come together to believe in a common identity, then the strife and disagreement will be in its best minimum. Finally, conclusion are drawn on how to address the problems of national disunity and selfish politics in Nigeria.