Rebellion

The author uses this theme to explore rebellion as an act of patriotism, even when one is rebelling against orders from the representatives of the state. The novel begins with Chike and Yemi abandoning their military posts after witnessing Colonel Benatari and his men burning a village of Delta natives to the ground and shooting at innocent civilians. Chike takes a bold stand in refusing to be complicit in this act, telling Yemi, “Let's go now before we take part in this” (10).

Shortly thereafter, the two men meet Fineboy, who is also a rebel against the state, fighting with a band of guerillas hoping to bring awareness to the corruption facilitated by the Nigerian government and its oil oligarchs. Fineboy declares eloquently, “Money from our oil has built every infrastructure you see in Nigeria and yet we, the owner of the oil, don't have hospitals, schools...