Title:   POLITICS OF ETHNICITY IN CHINUA ACHEBE'S THERE WAS A COUNTRY: A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BIAFRA

Abstract
This paper examined the representation of politics of ethnicity in Chinua Achebe's There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra, focusing on the depiction of characters, tribes and events. Politics of ethnicity is mostly concerned with ethnic interest over all other considerations - say national goals. Drawing on Edward Said's postcolonial theory and using the qualitative method of data analysis; this study analysed how the primary text under study thrived on the politics of ethnicity. Postcolonial theory is concerned with the aftermath effects of colonialism. The findings reveal that the novel do not necessarily present politics of ethnicity as being dangerous in itself, but that; it is so much more an irresistible submission on the need for premeditation unto self-discovery, negotiations, re-negotiations, and most essentially, rebuilding of strained relationships and broken walls, among the various Nigeria ethnic groups. The study also reveals that the rigging of elections in Nigeria today, among other aberrations are indissociable from its colonial heritage - and that this faulty ground upon which Nigeria was conscripted must be approached urgently with a new frame of mind to give space for meritocracy. This study will provide insights into future discourses on literature as well as subsequent debates on ethnic, regional and world politics.
Keywords: Politics, Ethnicity, Postcolonial, Theory

Citations:

Publication Date: 2026-02-11