A Platter of Gold (Revised Edition): Making Nigeria

by Olasupo Shasore

A Platter of Gold is a masterful work of groundbreaking historical research that tells the 'other' story of how Nigeria gained its independence from the British in 1960. It tells the little known stories of small revolutions and agitations against colonial rule by everyday Nigerians, from the struggle against taxation led by Alimotu Pelewura and other market women in the southwest; to the Nwanyewura of Oloko and the intelligent trio and Michael Imodu's worker's union strike that paralysed a nation, among others. This book makes a compelling argument against the idea that Nigeria was handed to its citizens on a platter of gold and instead showcases a narrative that ordinary Nigerians won their country with blood, guile, and bravery.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Africa

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2019

Reviews

[Olanrewaju Olamide · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read a book highlighting the political developments that led to independence. I mean, I wanted to get the tea on all the flashy characters - Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sardauna, etc.

But this book wasn't really that. It makes those flashy characters side characters in the narrative of Nigeria's struggle for independence. Instead, it focuses on the real fighters - Alimotu Pelewura, Nwanyewura, Michael Imodu, the Iva Valley protesters, Ransome Kuti, etc.

I was a bit dissapointed. I want the tea on the flashy characters. The book didn't give me that, so I resolved to give it a measly 3 stars.

Then at the end of the book, I saw why the author wrote the book that way. He asserts that those flashy political characters reaped the fruits of the labor of the actual people who fought and died for independence.

There's a lot of books and publications celebrating the flashy characters. I don't think anyone would begrudge any book that seeks to shine the spotlight on the every day Nigerians who fought and died for their liberty.

So, I decided to make it four stars instead.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shasore presents a very casual and straightforward narrative of Nigeria's history. 1861 was the first British occupation of the territory; 1906 the establishment of three states of North, South and Lagos; and 1914 a united colony of Nigeria in the Commonwealth.

The author talks about the diversity and often conflictual regions, tribes, faiths, customs. The first British governor Lugard, preferred the quiet, religious Muslim regions of Kaduna, Zamfara, the Sokoto califate resisted British occupation but later struck a deal in fears of the populated South taking over.

The coal workers, rail workers, the women marketeers all resisted British taxes, tariffs, laws and set the standard for today's vibrant Civil Society. WW 2 hit Nigeria's economy and took soldiers who fought in Burma. At the same time, Nigeria's young men studied at British universities and learned to want more independence and modernity. Nigeria's ties to its colonial leader were and are more friendly perhaps Nigerian people's friendliness and compassion.

Other British governors used different tactics to reduce the mobilization of the 30 million Nigeria population. Making deals with different Chiefs, using local managers only slowed the inevitable. In 1955, Governor Robertson permitted the Nigeria's educated but small class opportunity to speak of independence in a meeting in London. Several political parties competed and formed a Parliament peacefully in 1960.

In October 1960, queen Elizabeth accepted PM Balewa's request for independence in Lagos. Nigeria followed Ghana who had a much clearer path in a famous leader Nkrumah.

The author is optimistic and but tempers his country's evolution. Nigeria had a wealth of natural resources, assets, a world leader as an ally. In 2018 when this revised edition issued, Nigeria still great potential has yet to be reached. The platter of gold, independence was too easy and more image than substance. The losers from 1960, everyday workers, women, small groups like traditionalist religious communities, Fulani herders all live in 1900 conditions with very little change in lifestyle but with more expectations of betterment.

Corruption of political leadership, incompetence, and not true unity exist with dozens of groups having a stronger identity than being a Nigerian. The gulf between the leadership and the people exists but now with 230 million people and frequent bloodshed and depleted resources. The potential of 1960 can be fulfilled but with resolve and will, not relying on outside aid and blaming others like the UK.

[Jekwu Ozoemene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and informative read.