Unveiling Court and Politics, Relevance of Chapter to Circumstances in Nigeria
By Aminu Salihu Yakudima
The above mentioned caption is a title of a new Book, chronicling the experience of Umar Ardo, Ph.D in the Nigerian political theatre, published by Sungai Books of New Jersey, United States of America,(USA).
Certainly, the 556 pages Book is voluminous and it is divided into seven good Chapters. Each Chapter did a great justice to the subject matter. However, I have chosen the last one to dwell on, in view of matters arising and its relevance to the prevailing circumstances and the personalities involved in this Country.
Everything in the Book is about partisan politics and some 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. But, God willing the public presentation and launching of the Book is fixed for 24th of February, 2024 at Yar’Adua Centre FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
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, practicing Jurists, Journalists, Activists and Lawyers; for Scholars and Students of history, political science, law, sociology and linguistics; and for anybody interested in going to court for political disputes and election matters.
Again, it’s for some of us who want to see the development of democracy and entrenchment of rule of law, social justice and institutional democracy in Nigeria. It’s quite rich in analogy.
Interestingly, the Book also pioneered a new methodology in testing the orthodox view about judicial behaviour in civil political cases in Nigeria. 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.
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Experts and key personalities like Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN; former Inspector General of Police, late Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo Adamu Jimeta, CFR, GCON; former 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.
Launching of this Book on the date fixed is sacrosanct, and expected to record an impressive turn up in view of 2023 general elections, post election events including the marathon litigation in Nigeria, all things been equal. We pray that God save 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 sincere desire to correct history and highlight the facts as presented by Dr. Ardo as opposed to many fallacies and wrong analysis reflected in some research work and documents of our political history.
I believe it is our responsibilities as Journalists and Public Affairs Commentators to expose great deal of this type of literature for the benefit of humanity and give support to Researchers, patriotic Politicians, Writers, Journalists and human rights Activists who raised to the challenge of good governance and social justice in Nigeria.
Chapter seven had been explicit on the strategic framework that gives the former President, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR a surprise and unexpected 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 responsibled for the failure of former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.
Similar prevailing situations with additional worse circumstances in the dispensation of various successive governments were comprehensively discussed and made available for the records.
Maladministration and Misappropriation of funds in the last decade and more during tenures of government have been assessed, documented and keenly reported. The level of endemic corruption which is unexpected and never envisaged by those who painstakingly mapout strategies for wining the elections and supervised process of the campaigns to clinched power also reflected.
The Book will make an 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 Presidential election three times. His reasons for going to court in 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 declined. Why and how? Satisfactory answers were given in the Book.
All Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are invited to this historic occasion.
