Betrayal is a common theme in Paul B. Vitta’s Fathers of Nations Essay

Betrayal is a common theme in Paul B. Vitta’s Fathers of Nations

“Betrayal is a common theme in Paul B. Vitta’s Fathers of Nations." Write a composition to show how this theme is brought out in the novel.

In Fathers of Nations, Paul B. Vitta explores how trust is broken by individuals, leaders, and institutions. Characters suffer emotionally and physically when let down by those close to them or those in authority.

One of the most painful examples of betrayal involves Professor Kimani. After the tragic loss of his daughter Tuni, his wife leaves him for a wealthy politician, Newborn Walomu. What hurts even more is that Walomu is someone Kimani once worked with at the university. This incident leaves him emotionally crushed. To make matters worse, Kimani is later sent to prison for six months on accusations of assaulting a member of Parliament and demoted from his position at the University, showing how even the justice system fails him.

The people of Banjul suffer a similar fate of betrayal when the summit for African presidents is held in their city. Security, clean water, and even roads are redirected to serve the visiting dignitaries. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are left without protection or basic services. Their stalls and homes are demolished without warning. This shows how leadership can ignore the needs of those they are supposed to protect.

Another example of betrayal involves members of parliament who raise their own salaries in secret while citizens including those who are employed like Professor Kimani struggle to make ends meet. This selfishness shows that those in power often place their interests above public service.

In Zimbabwe, Comrade Melusi loses his cabinet position because of his ethnicity. In a clear act of betrayal, his leader is also accused of plotting a coup and removed from the government. These actions reflect political games that destroy unity and trust. Similarly, the opposition parties in the same country fail to work together during elections, making it easy for the ruling party to win again. This lack of unity shows weakness in leadership.

The story of Abiola and Pamela also reveals loss of trust in personal relationships. Abiola hopes to have children, but Pamela wants to adopt instead. Her refusal and pressure from Abiola’s relatives lead her to walk out of the marriage. Both sides feel let down, and the union ends in divorce.

Elsewhere, Fiona, a journalist, is attacked in a hotel hallway. The clerk, who is supposed to help, ignores her cries, thinking it’s a case of drunken behavior. Without Afolabi’s quick action, the situation would have been worse. This shows how carelessness leads to feelings of betrayal can also cause harm.

There is also tension among those working on the AGDA mission due to lack of trust. The anonymous coordinator refuses to reveal his identity, even when asked directly. This creates doubt and fear among those who were ready to carry out a difficult task exposing a trust deficiency among the parties working together for AGDA.

In conclusion, people lose confidence in others or in systems they once trusted. Whether in marriage, leadership, or teamwork, broken promises and dishonesty lead to suffering. The novel clearly shows that betrayal is not only common, but also damaging.