Politics, Identity and Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Richard Ali’s "City of Memories"

Abstract

Abstract The North-Central part of Nigeria especially the city of Jos was once a bastion of peace and a settler’s haven because of its azure weather, fertile vegetation and infectious cordial and hospitable inter-human relationship among its inhabitants. As Nigeria’s ‘melting pot’, Jos has a significant place in Nigeria’s politico-economic and social history. In recent times, Jos has witnessed and keeps witnessing some political and social upheavals. As literature is a reflection and representation of the society, this study examines the extent to which the social and political events in Jos, North-central Nigeria, characterize the basic ingredients with which Richard Ali concocts the events in his novel, City of Memories. Applying the theory of New Historicism, the essay evaluates the literary dimensions of ethno-religious violence which are taking frightening dimensions in Nigeria, and identifies possible suggestions made in respect to their causes, consequences and possible ways of management and control.