Adeoye maintains that the English had a ready ally in the northerners. In return, the colonizers would have influence in Nigeria s oil assets. The power vested in the north continued. High-ranking government posts went to northerners, many of whom were unqualified. The north-south rift remains strong to the present day.
Oil is the staple of the economy.
But a clique of corrupt individuals has ciphened off revenue, says Adeoye. The country s condition is beyond comprehension, people are living in squalor and being deprived of their basic rights. According to Adeoye, Babangida s rule was marked by corruption and suppression of the media and any outspoken opponents. Nigeria has the boldest journalists in the world. Many print the truth knowing they could face severe consequences, says Adeoye.