Write About The Relationship Between Filia Enu and Dan Kaybi and The Lesson It Teaches About Tribalism in Nigeria Answer

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GST 101

Write about the relationship between Filia Enu and Dan Kaybi And the lesson it teaches about
tribalism in Nigeria

ANSWER

The book “Iska” is a masterpiece written by the Nigerian literary doyen Cyprian Ekwensi and
published in the year 1981. In this novel , he tackles various issues inherent in Nigerian society one of
which is tribalism.

Tribalism could be seen as tribal consciousness and loyalty especially exaltation of one's tribe above
other groups. In Nigeria, this phenomenon has spread its venomous tentacles to every strata of society
and is enthroned above key virtues such as meritocracy and patriotism. In the story, the romantic
relationship between Filia Enu and Dan Kaybi is used as an archetype to showcase the consequences of
tribalism.

The story begins with Filia Enu walking down a street in the northern city of Kaduna. She is a lovely
lady, whose beauty captivates strangers like palmwine attracts flies. She has just been informed about
the demise of her father and she is searching for her “man” Dan Kaybi a respected civil servant from
Hausa tribe. She needs him to provide a listening ear, solace and comfort.

Soon enough we see tribalism rear it's ugly head, when on page 14 it is revealed that a chasm existed
between the igbo and Hausa tribes due to politics and other factors and as such, it is unclear if their
planned marriage would be a success. To make matters worse, Filia's father was vehemently against the
marriage. We learn that this sentiment was sown after he lost his son to the riots in Jos. When the igbos
clashed with the Hausas over a trivial matter.

Dan Kaybi's family too were against the marriage. All except his sister Nida. This was put into clear
perspective upon Dan's recovery from an accident. His father came to see him and wasn't concerned
about his health, but rather about the rumours he was hearing suggesting his son had married an igbo
girl. Upon confirmation from Dan, the father barred him from ever stepping foot in his compound. At
this point, it is made clear that the Hausas believe the igbos hate them and as such, they want to have
little or nothing to do with them.

At this point, it is pertinent to note that the book portrays two categories of actors in this stage. Those
who thrive on tribalism and sow its seeds wherever there are. People such as Musa Kaybi and then
those who believe in the unity of Nigeria and justice for all aptly represented by Dan Kaybi. We see this
in Dan actions, for instance when he sides with igbos against his kinsmen who insisted the igbos leave
the bar and in another occasion, when his intervention eventually leads to his death.

The book also makes another distinction between the older generation and the youths. It connotes that
most of the elderly are content with the status quo and have come to accept and entrench tribalism
while the younger generation on the other hand seem to be forward thinking and believe that the
country should be united and tribes should learn to accommodate and tolerate one another as Dan puts
it “ it is the way of the modern world... Things are changing”( page 30)

In addition, the encounter with Dan Kaybi's father is indeed an eye opener as it reveals that
appointments are dished out on the basis of tribe and marriage rather than on merit. This is
disheartening and moreso because this trend is still found in contemporary Nigera.

In conclusion, it is humbly submitted that for Nigeria as one nation to move forward in all spheres, the
insidious menace of tribalism as well as ethnic mistrust must be tackled squarely by all and sundry. It is
not a job for the country's leaders alone, the citizens too must be involved. So that at least those, who
like Dan Kaybi have given their lives for the cause of one Nigeria would not have done so in vain and the
country would be all the better.

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