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Product Description
The author names names, and explores how British influence aggravated indigenous rivalries. He shows how various factions in the military were able to hold onto power and resist civil and international pressure for democratic governance by exploiting the country’s oil wealth and ethnic divisions to its advantage. Africa is more and more in the headlines as developed countries — and China — clash over the need for the continent’s resources. Yet there are few serious books to help us understand any aspect of the never-ending cascade of wars and conflicts. Other titles on Nigeria are mostly children’s books or travel guides, with the exception of Daniel Jordan Smith’s A Culture of Corruption. The current work focuses specifically on the social tensions, the motivations and the methods of the series of coups that rent Nigeria.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book, by an industrious, questing and objective historian, brings together the most comprehensive and authentic documentation on the Nigerian coup and counter coup of 1966 and the Biafran War that I have ever seen.
The author does not "make a case" for anyone. Rather he sets out the evidence, gives a variety of parties their say and, by and large, then leaves you to make a judgement on the very best evidence available.
I do not think that any of us can responsibly write about the Biafran War and the steps leading up to it unless they have first read and thoroughly digested Max Siollun's book.
I say this against the background that I was Australian High Commissioner in Nigeria at the relevant time and I knew the principal players personally. In early October 1966, I embarked on a Mission to Enugu to talk to Ojukwu - with General Gowon's blessing - in an effort to find a negotiated resolution of Nigeria's deep constitutional, political, racial and tribal problems. Above all, I wanted to avoid the brutal and bloody conflict that, in the event, became known as the Biafran War. In the wake of my meeting with Ojukwu, agreement was reached between Ojukwu and the Federal Nigerian Government at a meeting in Aburi in Ghana in January 1967. However, the agreement fell to pieces shortly afterwards and the first shots in the Biafran War followed within a couple of months or so.
With this background, I can responsibly and, I think, reliably assess the authenticity of what Siollun has to say and recommend his outstanding book to those who want to know, understand and be familiar with Nigerian history of that troubled period.
The author does not "make a case" for anyone. Rather he sets out the evidence, gives a variety of parties their say and, by and large, then leaves you to make a judgement on the very best evidence available.
I do not think that any of us can responsibly write about the Biafran War and the steps leading up to it unless they have first read and thoroughly digested Max Siollun's book.
I say this against the background that I was Australian High Commissioner in Nigeria at the relevant time and I knew the principal players personally. In early October 1966, I embarked on a Mission to Enugu to talk to Ojukwu - with General Gowon's blessing - in an effort to find a negotiated resolution of Nigeria's deep constitutional, political, racial and tribal problems. Above all, I wanted to avoid the brutal and bloody conflict that, in the event, became known as the Biafran War. In the wake of my meeting with Ojukwu, agreement was reached between Ojukwu and the Federal Nigerian Government at a meeting in Aburi in Ghana in January 1967. However, the agreement fell to pieces shortly afterwards and the first shots in the Biafran War followed within a couple of months or so.
With this background, I can responsibly and, I think, reliably assess the authenticity of what Siollun has to say and recommend his outstanding book to those who want to know, understand and be familiar with Nigerian history of that troubled period.
Format:Paperback
Max Siollun's book is by far the most factual account of the 1960s I have come across. It is an excellent book, and I am not exagerrating here. The book arrived on a Friday and I just couldn't put it down when I started, finished it by Sunday evening, but I was still yearning for more. Unlike other accounts (I have ready virtually every book in print written by the principal actors), this is the only book where the author does not have a 'hidden agenda' and is therefore able to articulate the various sides of the story without taking sides. I was particularly impressed with his discussion regarding the Aburi conferene and the subsequent FMG about turn...,he was also able to clarify certain myths surrounding the characters (such as Fajuyi) without maligning their memory. I wish all historians, especially those who write on Nigeria are able to present the facts as they are and leave the judgement to history. A must read for all those interested in Nigerian history, I hope Max will move on and produce something just as good for the 80s and 90s. What a book!
Review of Max Siollum's book; Oil,Politics and Violence: Nigeria's Military Coup Culture
20 Feb 2011
Format:Paperback
I have one word to describe this book; EXCELLENT!!! It is one of the best and well resourced books on Nigeria's turbulent history from the mid sixties to the early seventies(and I have read a lot of books on this subject matter) Most other books on this period of Nigeria's history have been written by authors trying to justify their actions or inactions and in a rather self congratulatory and biased style. Max Siollum's book is unbiased and objective and leaves the reader with enough information to make a clear assessment of events that occurred then. It also clearly details the background to the political and ethnic problems that abound in Nigeria in the 21st century. This book is a MUST read by anyone interested in Nigeria's rich history. A sterling book by a meticulous and objective historian....
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent
Oil, politics and violence, is one of the most well detailed book about Nigeria's military and coup I have ever come across. Interesting reading.
Published on 23 April 2010 by Mr. A. I. Habu Sule
oil, politics and violence
Fantastic book. A must read for all students of Nigerian history. An unbiased presentation of facts, devoid of the usual regional or ethnic sentiments that usually color books... Read more
Published on 12 Mar 2010 by B. INUA
Great Book!
Congratulations to the author on this brilliant piece of work. It was thoroughly entertaining and immensely educative. Read more
Published on 22 Dec 2009 by A. Oke
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