The Crippled Giant: Nigeria since Independence

by Eghosa E. Osaghae

"Crippled Giant is an excellent summary of Nigerian political history. . . . The work is notable for even-handed analysis of both history and theory. The result is an introduction of the highest quality to the study of Nigerian politics." ―African Studies Review

"Osaghae, an academic with a refreshingly neutral and understated approach to the maddening follies of his government, has produced a highly readable overview of Nigeria's politics, economy, and foreign relations. Rich in detail, his account is also a useful tour of earlier thematic treatments of the subject." ―Foreign Affairs

" . . . well-written, coherent narrative and thoughtful, balanced analysis of Nigeria's political history from 1960 to 1996." ―A. H. M. Kirk-Greene, St. Antony's College, Oxford

Eghosa Osaghae's study leads him to the conclusion that Nigeria's problems are not of recent making but can be traced to structural impediments from colonial times.

Genres: Nigeria

Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

> The Babangida years could be described in terms of Charles Dickens’ A Tale o f Two Cities as ‘the best of times and the worst of times’. They were the years in which the potential for economic recovery was very bright, and a return to prosperity seemed likely. The country’s ‘past glory’ appeared restorable, with its improved standing in the international community, thanks to final agreement with Western creditors and General Babangida’s high international profile.

Cute quotes, long introductions and a long talk about what might have been if only...

Maybe Osaghae knows the history, but he has a nationalist agenda so "Nigeria Since Independence" is a story to be told in another book.

[Olanrewaju Olamide · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of important information on Nigerian history. But, it isn't a page turner. It is more of an academic work than an entertaining one.