Opinion

My thought on the book launch of Buhari

th-3
Professor Paden

By Muyiwa Olayinka

October 3rd 2016 was a memorable day most notable Nigerian leaders came out to support the launching of an autobiography of Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria”

At the book presentation were the presidents of Niger, Chad, Benin Republic and a representative of the Camerounian president.

The two former head of states, Generals Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo were  present.

Nigeria’s vice-president and his wife, Dolapo, the Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Muhammadu Uwais and Alfa Belgore, and chieftains of the APC were present at the book lauch.

A cross section of state governors and traditional rulers also attended.

The book was written by Prof John Paden.

Professor Paden received his BA in philosophy from Occidental College, his MA in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and his PhD in politics from Harvard University. He has served as Director of African Studies at Northwestern University, Professor of Public Administration at Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria, Nigeria), and Dean, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, at Bayero University (Kano, Nigeria).

Some other books written by Professor Paden include Post election Conflict Management in Nigeria: The Challenge of National Unity, Faith and Politics; Nigeria as a Pivotal State in the Muslim World and Muslim Civic Cultures and Conflict Resolution: The Challenges of Democratic Federalism in Nigeria.

He is also currently carrying out a research on relations between Muslim sub-cultures in Nigeria and has developed a Mason partnership with Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto, focusing on conflict resolution, with a focus on inter-faith dialogue.

I had to reel out his bio data so that many will know that the Professor is more of a Nigerian than an American

Prof. Paden said he will donate the proceeds of his book to internally displaced persons in the North-east. The professor of International Studies said: “Let me say that the proceeds of the launch of this book will all go to some select charities including humanitarian aid to the internally displaced people in the North-east.”
The organisers of the event also announced that no one would be allowed to make huge donations or purchase copies in millions of naira.

The book aptly captures the characterisation of the different stages of Buhari’s life and professional career.

I think the launching of book that has historical bent is imperative but the timing is a bit discomforting and inappropriate.

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one of the reviewer of the book said and i quote: “He was on national assignment when he became military head of state in a well-intentioned effort to straighten things out, and set Nigeria on a better path.

“When he ventured into politics and competed for the presidency, culminating in his 2015 election victory, he was still on assignment, showing that there was no other way for this nation to go but the way of democracy, no matter how difficult the path may be.

“Now, as sitting president, he is on an assignment, against time, to undo the wrongs of nearly two decades of bad governance.”

I quite agree with him that President is on a national assignment but the organisers ought to have waited for the assignment to be concluded and Nigerians would have been in good stead to evaluate how far he has been able to accomplish those task.

There are enormous challenges facing us as a nation that needs urgent attention. I do not want to bore you details. We all know the challenges we are facing.

The handlers of this government should do better than this and guage the mood of the nation.

The tasks before by Mr President will not be realised with these little distractions

They are repeating the same mistakes made by the launching of the “change begins with me” project.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *