Literature and the Society: Lack of Patriotism and Unity of Purpose and Nigerian Democratic Government

Nigeria as the most populated African nation has never experienced real unification right from the birth of the nation in 1914. Tribalism and day to day ethnic conflicts continue to manifest not minding the singing of ‘One Nigeria' by the political class as against the cry of the populace. The evidence of patriotism is questionable due to the high level of corruption and low regard of public accountability the political leaders display. Despite the return to democratic rule since 1999 in Nigeria, there is a rise in terrorism and corruption in the country which still revolve around tribalism and abuse of power. One of the themes of Nigerian literature, as a representation of life and mirror to the society, is the flaws associated with political leadership and the ways forward to reforming the society. This study aims at bringing out the open evidences of lack of unity and patriotism among political class and the populace as represented in some selected Nigerian novels. The paper also explores the job of creative writers as social reformers by highlighting their suggested ways to buttress great love for our fatherland if we actually want the manifestation of ‘One Nigeria' as we sing.