The aforementioned caption is a title of a new book, chronicling the experience of Dr Umar Ardo in the Nigerian political theatre, published by Sungai Books of New Jersey, USA.
Certainly, the 556 pages book is voluminous and is divided into seven chapters. Each chapter did great justice to the subject matter. However, I have chosen the last one to dwell on in view of matters arising and their relevance to prevailing circumstances and the personalities involved in this country.
Everything in the book is about partisan politics and the unpalatable behaviour of certain politicians in Nigeria. It is not presented to the general public yet in spite of its richness and accuracy in terms of political analysis, predictions and process of litigation.
The former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR wrote a foreword to the book.
‘IBB’, as he is fondly called, opined that the book would ultimately become a benchmark of judicial and political edification in Nigeria.
There is no doubt, it is empirically and theoretically appealing. Therefore, it is a must-read for politicians, journalists, practising jurists and lawyers; for scholars of history, political science, law, sociology and linguistics; and for anybody interested in going to court for political disputes.
Again, it’s for some of us who want to see the entrenchment of rule of law, social justice and institutional democracy in Nigeria. It’s quite rich in an analogy.
Interestingly, the book also pioneered a new methodology in testing the orthodox view about judicial behaviour in civil political cases. IBB further observed that, as an emerging democracy, this new line of inquiry is important in strengthening the democratic process in Nigeria. As such, it remains a valuable asset that is prescient in pointing out strong and weak links in the democratisation chain.
Experts and key personalities like Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN; former Inspector General of Police, late Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo Adamu Jimeta, CFR, GCON; Incumbent Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria and former UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on Africa, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and a most successful Lawyer in Southern Florida, USA, 2009, Sir Thomas Equels also commented positively on the book.
The launching of this book is not fixed but expected before the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, all things being equal. We pray that God saves our lives to witness it in good health and prosperity.
As pointed out earlier, my intention to dwell on chapter seven, apart from the reasons enumerated, was necessitated by a sincere desire to correct history and highlight the facts presented by Dr Ardo as opposed to many fallacies and wrong analysis reflected in some research documents of our political history.
I believe it is our responsibilities as journalists and public affairs commentators to expose a great deal of this types of literature for the benefit of humanity and give support to researchers, patriotic politicians, journalists and human rights activists who raised the challenge of good governance and social justice in Nigeria.
Chapter seven had been explicit on the strategic framework that gives the incumbent President, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR a surprise victory in 2015. How it was formulated and achieved and by who? The instruments used and advantages capitalised upon to captured power. Some of the factors, as observed, became responsible for the failure of former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.
Similar prevailing situations with additional worse circumstances in this dispensation were comprehensively discussed and made available for the records.
Maladministration and misappropriation of funds in this Government have been assessed, documented and keenly reported. The level of corruption which is unexpected and never envisaged by those who painstakingly map out strategies for winning the election and supervised the process of the campaign to clinched power also reflected.
The book will make interesting reading with many political reports including secrets of political success and political antecedents of President Muhammadu Buhari. His participation in both primary and secondary elections. How he previously contested and failed the Presidential election three times. His reasons for going to court on all the occasions challenging the results. Why he was desperate to be President.
General Buhari was reported to be popular and had a large following, particularly in the North. His shortcomings especially in governance and his popularity grossly declining. Why and how? Satisfactory answers were given in the book.
GOD save Nigeria!
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