_I had barred myself from *Thinking Aloud*, but, here I am._
By Eberekpe Ogho
Truth in Nigeria is a stark reminder of the country’s volatile literary and political landscape.
Two books, released within months of each other, highlight this reality.
Former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, *”A Journey In Service,”* earned him a staggering *17.5 billion Naira*. Whereas, Dele Farotimi’s book, *”Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,”* a scathing exposé of political corruption, landed him in detention.
Babangida’s book, which is a masterclass in image rehabilitation, with the former Military President confessing to annulling MKO Abiola’s 1993 election victory, describing it as an *”accident of history.”*
Farotimi’s book, on the other hand, is a work of investigative journalism, naming names and exposing corruption within Nigeria’s political establishment and judicial system. His commitment to truth came at a steep price, with his book deemed subversive and him facing imprisonment on trumped-up charges, with traditional rulers dancing on the turf of the custody of culture and tradition to see him off the hook.
The contrast between the two authors’ fates raises questions about the power of truth in a society dominated by wealth and power.
The two incidents highlight the struggles faced by truth-tellers in a deeply unequal society, leaving a lingering question: how can truth prevail in a nation grappling with its past and yearning for a more just future?
