THE VICISSITUDES OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA: ROLES OF THE POET

Abstract

Overtime, juxtaposing poetry and democracy has come to feel more
like an oxymoron. Yet the twosome is interconnected, with each
having a profound influence on the other. In Nigeria, democracy
has been a bumpy ride from its nascent stages to the present day.
The vicissitudes that underlie the Nigerian political arena are
observed and commented on by critics from different occupations.
This paper explores some roles of poets in helping to shape Nigeria’s
democracy by articulating the voice of the people, nurturing civic
values, bridging divides and fostering unity, and challenging
authority and holding power accountable. This was achieved by
highlighting relevant works of historical and contemporary poets
such as Douglas Malloch, Gabriel Okara, Rome Aboh, Peace
Longdet and Nathanael Noah. In the quest for true democracy, the
voice of the poet in Nigeria is a force to reckon with. A new
generation of Nigerian poets are rising to speak boldly or true
democracy even as the older generation of poets relinquishes the
reigns.