Power, Politics and Death

by Olusegun Adeniyi, Prestige Books (Editor), Kachifo (Editor)

What really happened during Yar'Adua's last illness? Segun Adeniyi, Yar’Adua’s spokesman, takes us behind the scenes of the former Nigerian president's mysterious disappearance to a Saudi hospital in late 2009 and his even more mysterious return to the country in 2010. Filled with political intrigue and revealing anecdotes, Power, Politics, and Death chronicles the events and power struggles within the government during Yar'Adua's time in office, particularly in his final months. Readers also get the inside story on Yar'Adua his successes, struggles and unfulfilled political dreams.

Genres: Nigeria, Politics

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2011

Reviews

[Abdulfattah Popoola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that provides an insider view into what happened during the political saga of 2009 - 2010. The author did clarify a lot of the myths and misinformation that was spread.

[Tijani Kay Aderemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author, and I have to say it is one I enjoyed so much.
Being a journalist, Segun Adeniyi’s rendering of the internal politics of the administration and unfortunate demise of president Yar’Adua is as straightforward as it could be.

This is a book that all Nigerians (at the very least) should read.
More than that, this book further validates what Nigerians have always known; that our government and democracy is still far from perfect. That there are dangerous persons in positions of power whose only hope of survival is by circumventing the constitution and truncating the rule of law for selfish interests.

Most important of all though, is the reality that all things that have a beginning will surely end. And power is such a fleeting moment that the power brokers have little to no time to implement their agenda before it vanishes again.

[Isma Abubakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you needed an insight into the Yar'Adua government, before ans during his illness that leads to his unfortunate demise, this is the book for you.

[Fadesola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written tome by Mr. Adeniyi. As Yar’dua’s spokesman he has access to and spoke on behalf of the late president. It appears the president had him as a confidant and trusted him quite deeply. It is quite clear that although he has respect for Yar’dua as a man, and that despite his good intentions, he was ultimately ineffective as a president.

This book is a story of broken promises and squandered opportunities much like the history of Nigeria. His insight into the news headlines of the day is particularly instructive- such as his support of tribalism when it is pragmatic as in the case of a particular government official.

This book also includes the most pithy, clear and elucidation background on Boko Haram I’ve ever read.

A solid book, with great anecdotes, if you are particularly interested in Nigeria’s history during the Yar’dua regime.

[Ayo Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details various happenings under the Yar Adua administration with specific dates.

Takeaways:
1. President Yar Adua's greatest mistake was his last: Refusal to send the letter to the Senate president for the VP to become acting President.
2. There is no "Cabal". Interestingly, I believed that there were cabals back then.
3. There are people who act as "Cabals". Ibori's threat against the SGF came to pass as the office was scraped.
4. Yar Adua really meant well for the country. His admittance and restructuring of Approvals for oil licenses between the GMD of NNPC & Ajumogobia is a striking example.
5. Every single day in the life of a president is like a saw mill - full of sawdust and wood.

[Sani Mansir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I read from the author and I enjoy reading the book that makes me be a fan of the author and I check his books and read them. Also this book give an inside view of yar'aduas administration

[The Contented · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very worthwhile read. A good account of events in Nigeria in 2009/10. Apparently, the idea of a 'cabal' was just an invention

[Ado Zulhulaifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for every Nigerian. Adeniyi has done Nigerians a service by writing this books. It reveals the political game being played in Nigeria and exposes those behind the scene. This book also serves as a reference point for the discussion of the issues that have been the bedrock and weakness of the Nigerian political atmosphere and culture.