Author | Max Siollun |
---|---|
ISBN | 9781787382022 |
Publisher | Hurst Publisher |
Pages | 320 (Paperback) |
Nigeria’s Soldiers of Fortune: The Abacha and Obasanjo Years
₦34,500.00
The renowned chronicler of Nigerian praetorianism returns with an unsparing account of the country’s fortunes in the 1990s.
In the cataclysmic decade that is the focus of Nigeria’s Soldiers of Fortune, Nigeria was subject to several near-death experiences. These began when the country nearly tore itself apart after the northern-led military government annulled the results of a 1993 presidential election won by the southerner Moshood Abiola, and ended with former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo being the unlikely conduit of democracy.
This mini-history of a nation’s life also reflects on three mesmerizing protagonists who personified that era. First up is Abiola: the multi-billionaire businessman who had his election victory voided by the generals who made him rich, and who was later assassinated. General Sani Abacha was the mysterious, reclusive ruler under whose watch Abiola was arrested and pro-democracy activists (including Abiola’s wife) were murdered. He also oversaw a terrifying Orwellian state security operation. Although Abacha is today reviled as a tyrant, the author eschews selective amnesia, reminding Nigerians that they goaded him into seizing power. The third protagonist is Obasanjo, who emerged from prison to return to power as an elected civilian leader.
The penumbra of military rule still looms over Nigeria nearly twenty years after the soldiers departed, and key personalities featured in this book remain in government, including the current president.
26 in stock
Adewale ADEDAYO Aregbesola –
This book stands out. Well researched and unbiased. Extremely captivating.
Olu (verified owner) –
This is by far the most balanced account of the Abacha/Obasanjo years that I have ever read.
Very enlightening and painstakingly researched work.
Max is by far one of our best historians.
AbdulHafeez Rimi –
A Well written, fantastic book. If you’re looking to entertain yourself and learn more about the murky waters of Nigerian politics in the turbulent 90’s and its rather larger than life protagonists, don’t hesitate to read this book; Nigeria’s Game of Thrones.
Peter –
A 5star narration of Nigeria’s history. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to understand how Nigeria arrived at its current state.
Mohammed Nasir –
It is a perfect account of that era. However I will have love to know the real reason why IBB annulled the election that was won by MKO. And those that supported the annulment. Since IBB is still alive.
Moreso I will have love to know how our ethno-religious attitude have affected our political development.
Ekanem Ukpong –
Outstanding book. I love the style of Max’s writing. Very fantastic insight into the game of thrones-like nature of Nigerian politics during a very important period for Nigeria. 10/10 from me.
ekanemu94 –
Outstanding book. I love the style of Max’s writing. Very fantastic insight into the game of thrones-like nature of Nigerian politics during a very important period for Nigeria. 10/10 from me.
Zira –
Great book! It greatly improved my understanding of Abacha’s era and also dispelled many assumptions I held about the political events of 1993 to 1999. The book explains the foundation of the political system we have today (known as the 4th republic). My favorite chapter was Chapter 14 (Divine Intervention) – the sudden and ‘convenient’ deaths of Abacha and Abiola still baffles me. I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in Nigerian politics, governance, or history.
Adebayo Raphael –
Revealing. Balanced. Insightful.
This book should be read by anyone interested in understanding the nuances of Nigeria’s relationship with kleptomaniacs and visionless leaders. Filled with exciting and riveting tales you are likely to be gripped from the beginning till the end.
I loved reading this Brilliant and well-detailed piece of work.