The Last Time

In 1900 the Sokoto Caliphate in northern Nigeria operated the largest slave-owning economy in the world. By 1903 Sokoto and an eclectic swathe of territories four times larger than the United Kingdom became consumed under British rule in what was to be called the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Less than sixty years later Nigeria achieved independence. By then it was relatively peaceful, and had the basic features of a modern state - an elected parliament, a free press and people, an impartial civil service and a judiciary. Nigeria was the testing ground for a uniquely British form of imperial governance called `Indirect Rule''''. Developed by the first Governor, Lord Lugard, it operated through a small but critically important cadre of British officials - the District Officers. Their role was to support the ongoing rule of local chiefs and customary law, whilst introducing the elements of nation building. ''''The Last Time'''' are the memoirs of one such District Officer, James Stewart Smith. First published privately in 1976 they are fascinating in that they show the cultural milieu in which he grew up, as well as his actual tours of service. Anti-slaving, social improvement, fairness and a genuine fondness for the Nigerians he worked with are continued themes throughout. As well as the original text, this new edition includes approximately 90 photographs, maps and genealogical charts, along with new appendices that include comments on British rule in Nigeria from James Stewart Smith as well as his contemporaries. See more