The Other Side of Truth

Nigeria gained its independence from the British Empire in 1960. Numerous regimes have ruled the country since, and for much of that time, Nigeria’s government has been accused of political corruption. The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Nigeria 150 of the 180 countries it assesses, placing it among the most corrupt governments in the world (“Corruption Perceptions Index.” Transparency International, 2022). This is the primary issue that is fought against in The Other Side of Truth. The novel was written in and set in the culture of the 1990s. At that time, Nigeria’s government was going through numerous changes. In June 1993, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won a democratic election, only to be pushed out 11 days later by then dictator Ibrahim Babangida. An interim government was introduced but overthrown by General Sani Abacha, who ruled for five years until his death in 1998.

Corruption was prevalent through numerous regimes and is often tied to the wealth that Nigeria generates due to its oil. Abacha’s regime was accused of stealing $5 billion from the Nigerian people; this money was laundered and directed to financial institutions worldwide. The US government has returned over $300 million to Nigeria through forfeiture agreements related to these accusations (“

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