Tomorrow died yesterday hinges on the lives of Doye, Kaniye,Tubo and Amaibi four childhood friends, striving for a better future and the events of 1997 that drastically changed the trajectory of their lives.

The story begins in Asaima, a riverine area and small village in Port-harcourt, renowned for its oil production as well as being the home of the rag tag group of friends. It is set between the period of the mid 1990’s and the early 2000’s.

Chimeka Garricks book explores the themes of corruption, friendship, the effects of oil bunkering, greed, faith and redemption, love and betrayal. More than that ,it paints a picture of how life is in the riverine regions especially in Port-harcourt City. Riverine regions in Nigeria are blessed in abundance with mineral resources, especially oil. And although the resources have helped developed the country, its villainous after effects and mismanagement have led to the current situation in those areas. A theme Chimeka explores greatly and perfectly with the characters in his novel.

As the story unfolds, these themes are significant because they highlight the individuality of these characters, their decisions and how it affects their survival.

Doye, the militant who is a firm believer that he is entitled to a share of the ‘oil money’ and his machismo bravado leads to his eventual life of crime. Doye is the typical riverine boy, whose life has been affected greatly by oil bunkering and the mismanagement of oil in the state and wants to take power into his own hands to both survive and enjoy the states wealth. A common thought line among many a militants and ‘Niger delta avengers’ a menace in today’s society.

Tubo, an unscrupulous oil company executive, of cowardly nature and is also the clown of the group. Kaniye, the witty and brilliant lawyer who quits the legal profession forced on him by his father and becomes a successful restaurant owner and finally Amaibi, the certified gentleman, university lecturer, revolutionist and the accused.

These all are multidimensional and relatable characters, adorned with traits, flaws and strengths that are common amongst people, which makes them more authentic to the readers.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is its exploration of the Nigerian experience.

Despite its fictional nature, it entails some of the grappling issues faced in Nigeria; vices such as corruption, greed and injustice, which have eaten deep into the grassroots of the country’s foundation. It is very amusing that when corruption is talked about, fingers are first pointed at the government, as true as it is, corruption has also slowly formed a part of our culture. The book illuminates the corruption of law enforcements down to the local leaders and the common man. Characters like Wali, the security personnel ,who secretly makes profit from the ransom. Chief Ikaki who mismanages the funds meant for the development of the community and uses it for his personal needs. And the police officers who falsify testimony and evidence which incriminate Amaibi . Similarly, injustice is seen in the malevolence and brutality of the army on the people of Asiama, over the unpremeditated death of an army officer.

The author also explores the concept of oil bunkering. He gives an insight on the cognitive dissonance it has on the people who are affected. Despite the fact that the community acquired some kind of monetary benefits from the oil companies operating in their environment but TO WHAT EXTENT CAN YOU COMPENSATE FOR THE POLLUTION OF THE WATER?? and the horrifying consequences that follow like death of sea creatures which are a source of food and a means of livelihood!

Notably, as the story plays out we see how religion,faith and redemption interwine in the lives of the charcaters. Kaniye, who hopelessly chases after the heart of Deola, a devout Christian, with a firm decision of having someone with similar beliefs which is quite unfortunate for Kaniye, as a partner.

Deola is also a doctor, whose NYSC posting involved working at a prison and attending to injured prisoners, which amongst them was Amaibi. Deola through her compassion and kindness was able to help Amaibi restore his faith which he previously lost.

And a nasty betrayal …twice for Doye!

Another brilliant part of this book is the court proceeding. Chimeka does an excellent job in portraying how court sessions commence. From the cross examination, to the crippling tension of the witness, certainly leaving you captivated and wanting more.

A significantly impressive part of this book is the character development. As the story unravels, it is fascinating to see how these friends each evolve over time. Contrary to their similar background, these friends each have strong personalities that later on affect their life's odyssey and the beauty of it is how they still showed compassion for one another.

Verily, “Tomorrow died yesterday” is a spectacular book. Chimeka Garrick certainly did a marvelous job. The book is enthralling and each chapter will leave you avid. Chimeka truly embodied his story which undoubtedly conveyed his message.

I would definitely recommend this book, it is entertaining, educational, and emotional, truly a story that needs to be heard.

Ultimately, this book left me with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life.

Chimeka Garricks is a Nigerian-Irish writer, editor, screenwriter, and script doctor. His work includes a collection of short stories, A Broken People's Playlist, a novel, and a script in development. He lives in the United Kingdom.