Opinion

The Politics of Autobiographies-Amir Abdul Aziz

Published

1 month ago

February 21, 2025

Dr Amir Abdul Aziz

By: Amir Abdulazeez

In ancient times and through the Middle ages, people used autobiographies to share hidden truths, make confessions and communicate genuine experiences. Nowadays, they are used by politicians and world leaders for self-justification and self-glorification. Whether in the West, across Africa, or within Nigeria, the pattern remains the samepolitical figures use autobiographies to rewrite history in their favour, often ignoring their failures or controversies.

Between 1948 to 1954, former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, published multiple volumes of memoirs that portrayed him as the hero of World War II. While Churchill was undeniably a key figure in the war, his narratives downplayed criticisms of his leadership, including his alleged role in the Bengal Famine of 1943, which resulted in the deaths of millions. His autobiographical works cemented his legacy as a wartime leader while sidestepping his more controversial decisions.

Modern political memoirs have increasingly become exercises in selective storytelling, where leaders carefully articulate their narratives to present themselves in the most favourable light possible. Former United States President, Richard Nixon used his autobiography, ‘The Memoirs of Richard Nixon’, to repair his image after the Watergate scandal. After lying about the possession of weapons of mass destruction as a justification to invade, Tony Blair’s A Journey and George W. Bush’s Decision Points, cruelly and shamelessly attempted to justify their baseless war in Iraq in 2003.
Across Africa, many leaders have also engaged in this practice of using autobiographies to deny or justify their shortcomings. As good as they were, even the likes of Ghanas Kwame Nkrumah, Zambias Kenneth Kaunda, Tanzanias Julius Nyerere and Kenyas Jomo Kenyatta have all been accused of using autobiographies to exaggerate their legacies, downplay their shortcomings and ignore controversies around their stewardships.

In Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjos ‘My Watch’, published in 2014 have been widely criticized for being self-serving. While Obasanjo paints himself as a patriot and a visionary leader, he conveniently overlooked the authoritarian tendencies and allegations of corruption and electoral frauds during his tenure. Despite all the glaring circumstances that led to the decisive defeat of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 Presidential elections, in his 2018 book ‘My Transition Hours’, he tried so hard to justify and downplay the very actions that led to his downfall while also constructing different conspiracy theories that gave the impression he didnt lose the elections freely and fairly.

Just, when we thought we have had enough of all these politicized autobiographies, former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has released his own memoirs. While being often and correctly presented as one of Nigerias finest soldiers, strongest leaders and elder statesmen, we can by no means expect his memoirs to be significantly different from that of other Nigerian, African and world leaders. IBB is unlucky to be one of the most studied and documented Nigerian leaders and there are so many controversies, inconsistencies and tactical deceptions associated to his tenure which no autobiography can reconcile.
One major criticism of IBBs memoir is its timing. The delayed release suggests a strategic waiting period for public emotions to cool and memories to fade. Apart from the main actors, many other people in the position to validate or refute whatever he might say in his book are dead. In fact, majority of the current generation of Nigerians were not even born when he left power in 1993. In a nutshell, while Babangidas autobiography may attempt to rationalize many of his decisions, the scars left by the events he presided like the Structural Adjustment programme, state executions, public corruption, endless and wasteful transition programme will remain fresh in the countrys memory.

In Nigeria, what have these autobiographies taught us? Many leaders and political actors have left terrible legacies which they cannot risk leaving in the hands of neutral story tellers. While they should spend the rest of their lives in regret and retrospection, they will rather add salt to injury by releasing half-truths and falsehoods as autobiographies. When they do so, they always have other elitist co-conspirators that benefited from their actions and inactions in power that will gather and celebrate them like heroes.
As a former Nigerian leader, once you are alive and influential, you can always find a way of redeeming your image inspite of your atrocities. I always ask people to imagine if General Sani Abacha was still alive, who will dare recover any foreign loot associated to him? Who doesnt have skeletons in their cupboards? Unfortunately for Abacha, apart from been dead, he had also stepped on most, if not all of the toes that wouldve protected him and again, one of the most affected became President just 11 months after his death.

Not all are the same. There are patriotic Nigerian leaders, statesmen and freedom fighters who deserve to write autobiographies. Unfortunately, when they do, theirs get drowned in the ocean of the negative ones who are richer and more popular. By tradition, you know Nigerians will always promote and accept something that is popular and elegant instead of one that is truthful and honest. This is why you dont hear trending biographies about Gani Fawehinmi, Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, etc.
All in all, everyone has a right to his own opinion and narrative of events the way he wants people to view them. While autobiographies provide valuable insights into the minds of world leaders, they must be read with a critical eye. Readers must recognize that these books are not always honest reflections of history but are, more often than not, carefully crafted narratives designed to preserve a leaders legacy. Memoirs of political leaders often serve more as instruments of image control than as genuine historical accounts. The ultimate judgment of political leaders should rest not in the pages of their autobiographies but rather in the lived experiences of their citizens and the tangible impacts of their policies.
I read three autobiographies recently and I found them to be outstanding and honest; Sir Ahmadu Bellos ‘My Life’, Nelson Mandelas ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ and Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘The Stories of My Experiments with Truth’. Sardaunas was simple, least self-glorifying and occasionally self-critical. Mandelas was strictly a chronicle of collective struggles, only mentioning but leaving out details about subjective issues and cleverly terminating his story to the point he was inaugurated as President. He left the story of his presidency to be told by others. Gandhis was the best; when he was literally forced to write his memoirs in 1925, he rather named it ‘my experiments’, it was the translators that added the word ‘autobiography’. He never wanted to write because he believes if your actions are right, there is nothing to boast about it, for the wrong ones, there will always be many people to help you write them.

Twitter: @AmirAbdulazeez

Opinion

Uromi Killings, Barau’s Intervention and Responsible Representation

Published

1 day ago

April 3, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Abba Anwar

Before any note on the barbaric Uromi mob action, let me begin with prayer for The Almighty Allah to Bless and Forgive the gentle soul of Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the son of the late Emir of Kano and Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi and the father of the Kano State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Abbas.

Whenever I sighted the late Galadiman Kano, my mind naturally recollects the face of his respected and revered father, our Tijjaniyya guide, beacon of hope, an epitome of greatness and scholarship, Sir Sanusi, whom I was privilege to visit in both Azare and Wudil, with my parents, when I was much younger, but not toddling.

We had a tradition back in the family, that the younger ones were included in such visits turn by turn. So I was included in two visits to Azare and two visits to Wudil. Where the blessed hands of Sir Sanusi were on my head full with prayers. Alhamdulillah.

ALLAH YA JIKAN GALADIMAN KANO, ALHAJI ABBAS SANUSI

Coming down to the barbaric incident that affected legitimate hunters, in Uromi, Esan North East of Edo state, where 16 hunters were burned to death, an incident that went viral in both the traditional and the new media, the action was condemned across the nation.

Political leaders, governments and other humane elements were up and doing dismissing the anti-human development as condemnable and animalistic.

While I acknowledge and appreciate the concerns of many, I was personally moved by extra efforts put by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, for moving extra miles and strategizing ways for redress. Responsive and responsible leadership at work.

He immediately condemned the mob action dastardly exhibited when it happened. Then followed by many other well meaning Nigerians. Kudos to all in this direction.

When the Governor of Edo state, H. E. Monday Okpebholo paid a condolence visit to Barau in Abuja, the Deputy Senate President said,
“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to, is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.”

To tell you how concerned Barau is he further stated that, ” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.”

The Deputy Senate President didn’t stop at that, he called the attention of the President and other well meaning Nigerians, including the security agencies, lamenting over the sad development.

Edo state Governor, started with Senator Barau and from there, based on his fruitful discussion with the Deputy Senate President, he was convinced that his coming to Kano, could douse tension and portray him (Edo Governor) as right thinking leader. Of which he attested to that.

Even before he left Senator Barau in Abuja for Kano, the Governor was made to understand the importance of paying condolence visit to the hometown of the slained victims. Which he also complied. A good of him indeed.

So he came to Kano, visited the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf. From there he proceeded to the see the families of the victims.

What I am trying to portray here is, how the DSP put all the strategies in place for bringing the culprits to book, to douse tension and see ways of giving helping hand to the families of the deceased and to those who sustained injuries.

Governor Okpebholo’s first disclosure about his effort in dealing with the situation was first known during his visit to the Deputy Senate President, when he explained that, “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

The President is doing something drastic about this. He is not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a Committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased.”

Distinguished Senator Barau did not stop at that, he visited families of the victims who were gathered at At-Taqwa Mosque, Sabon Fegi, Bunkure local government, as all victims came from Bunkure, Rano and Kibiya local governments, Kano state.

To cushion the effect of trauma in those families he gave the sum of One Million Naira (N1m) to each of families of the 16 deceased ones. Making it a total of N16m in all.

During his visit he was quoted to have said, “I was worried when the incident happened. I had to call the Governor, security agencies and all stakeholders involved.

They swung into action. So far apart from the 14 people who have been arrested, two more suspects have been nabbed. The state governor, who visited my house in Abuja, has assured me that the state government will support you.

We will not take it lightly. We will ensure that the culprits are brought to book and face the wrath of the law.”

Examining and appreciating Barau’s leadership qualities since the occurrence of the ugly incident, the entire families of the deceased commended him through the Chief Imam of the area, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal.

They unequivocally thanked the Senator for his unwavering efforts in ensuring justice, adding that, “Rankai dade Senator you prove to be an excellent representative of your people. You are the leader we so much cherish. Your style of leadership is direly needed for the country’s development.”

To compliment his effort with legislative action, DSP Barau assured that when Senate resumes after Sallah holiday, he would sponsor a Bill to look into the activities of Vigilant groups and their modus operandi.

This will go a long way in checkmating their legitimate activities and other nefarious activities allegedly attach to their operations across the country.

His understanding of the situation and his great concern for Nigerians regardless of where they come from, prompts his moves from multi – faceted approach to make sure that Nigeria is safe and developed.

Anwar was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

Opinion

Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

Published

4 days ago

April 1, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Clarification On Recent Events During The Eid-El-Fitr Celebration In Kano: A Response To The GiGG’s Malicious Statement

In light of the recent malicious statement issued by the Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG), which disrespects constituted authority and has the potential to cause uncertainty and security breaches regarding the events during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano, it is important to provide clarification regarding the actions of both the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Governor HE. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

First and foremost, it is essential to clarify that there was no Durbar held during this Eid celebration. Rather, what took place was the Emir’s procession to and from the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata, located outside the eastern city wall. This procession is a long-standing Islamic tradition (Sunnah), which involves taking a different route from the one followed to the prayer ground when returning. The Emir’s procession, limited to his guards and close officials, followed this practice in accordance with Islamic traditions. Unlike the Durbar, which is a formal parade involving district heads and traditional horse riders symbolizing allegiance to the Emir and the Emirate, this procession was conducted with full attention to both tradition and public safety.

Durbar celebrations, as historically practiced, have not been held regularly in recent years, mainly due to concerns from security forces. The recent event was no exception. Both the Emir and the Governor acted with the intention of striking a balance between preserving cultural practices and ensuring the safety and security of the public. They did not disregard the law or public safety, rather, their actions were aimed at preventing the potential exploitation of the occasion by individuals seeking to disrupt peace and stability.

The breakdown of law and order that occurred was due to the actions of alleged, sponsored criminal elements who hijacked the occasion to create chaos. These individuals sought to tarnish the reputations of both the Emir and the Governor, possibly even attempting to blackmail them and state. We commend the Nigeria Police Force for their swift action in making arrests, which is an important step toward uncovering the full extent of the individuals and networks behind these destructive activities.

It is also essential to address the concerns raised by the faceless NGO. While the police do not have the constitutional authority to outrightly ban traditional programs such as this, they are within their rights to call for a suspension or cancellation based on actionable intelligence aimed at maintaining public safety. Any formal ban, however, would require adherence to due legal process.

The nation is now closely watching the Nigeria Police Force, and we are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly. We trust that ongoing investigations will identify all those responsible for these disruptive actions and ensure accountability.

A.T. Abdullahi
A Concerned Kano Indigene
31st March 2025

Opinion

Periscoping Waiya’s Alleged Assault on Free Press Viz the Preponderance of Mob Reasoning

Published

1 week ago

March 27, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Al Amin Ubandoma

The recent controversy surrounding Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, has sparked heated debates about free press and mob reasoning. The controversy began with an opinionated article written by one Auwalu Ismail, which criticized Waiya that was widely circulated online.

The article contained allegedly malicious and defamatory statements about Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya. As a public figure, Waiya has the right to defend himself against such attacks, and his decision to report the matter to the police was a legitimate exercise of this right.

However, the response from journalists and Amnesty International was swift and merciless. Without recourse to the violation of Waiya’s rights, they condemned his actions as an assault on free press and a threat to democracy.

This mob-like response is a classic example of mob reasoning, where emotions and sensationalism override rational thinking and fairness.

The implications of this response are far-reaching. If public figures like Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya are not allowed to defend themselves against malicious attacks, it could create a culture of impunity where anyone can make false and defamatory statements without consequence.

Furthermore, the response from journalists and Amnesty International undermines the principles of fairness and justice as enshrined in journalistic ethics.

By failing to consider Waiya’s side of the story and his right to defend himself, Amnesty international, and its co-travellers perpetuated a one-sided narrative that ignored the complexities of the issue at stake.

The controversy surrounding Waiya highlights the need for fairness and balance in public discourse. While free press is essential to democracy, it is equally important to protect the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya.

By prioritizing fairness and justice, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The mob-like response from journalists and Amnesty International is a reminder that even in the pursuit of press freedom, we must not trample on the rights of others.

Indeed, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob reasoning and the importance of upholding fairness and justice in public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from Waiya’s experience and prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The protection of human rights is essential to creating a just and equitable society. By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures like Waiya, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures.

The debate surrounding Waiya’s actions is a reminder that the pursuit of press freedom is complex and multifaceted. While it is essential to protect the rights of journalists and writers, it is equally important to uphold the rights and privileges of public figures.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Waiya and the opinionated article highlights the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to public discourse.

As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize fairness and balance in public discourse. This requires a commitment to considering multiple perspectives and upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals.

The importance of protecting the rights and privileges of public figures like Ambassador Waiya cannot be overstated.

By upholding the rights and privileges of all individuals, including public figures, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

In the end, Ambassador Waiya’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing fairness and balance in public discourse, and it has indeed brought to fore how not to deployed mob reasoning on issues of human rights

Al Amin Ubandoma, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.