Summary

British officers began to retire from their posts in Nigeria and return home without being replaced. There was a long-held plan for the transition and it went smoothly. Official positions began to open up to Nigerians especially those who had college educations. Chinua was placed in one of these positions. Although the transition was ostensibly smooth its complexities were subtle. Prior to independence, Britain had named a new governor general, Sir James Robertson, of the Sudan. The Nigerians wanted to appoint their own leader but Robertson was in no hurry to leave. Nigeria’s independence was off to a rocky start.

Nigeria quickly declined into a corrupt state. Public servants stole from the nation and elections were rigged. Judges and politicians were used by the nation’s leaders. Tensions between ethnic groups increased. To win the favor of various tribes, dishonest politicians exploited...