Nzeogwu: An intimate portrait of Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu

by Olusegun Obasanjo

Genres: Autobiography, Nigeria

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Ogunboye Aremu Obasanjo served as Nigerian President from 1999 to 2007.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another controversial work by sterling statesman, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria who also happens to be a dynamic, prolific writer. This is a very important work despite the polemics that surrounded its publication. Looked at objectively, this is an intimate profile of the man who more than anybody else was the pivot around which the first military coup in Nigeria revolved (Nzeogwu). The reader gets to know and understand Nzeogwu from the beginning of his life to his untimely
death, as it were. The author buttresses this work with a series of letters, correspondence shared between him and Nzeogwu over the years. Many have wondered: since Nzeogwu was so close to the author (Obasanjo) and they were both (young) soldiers at the time, how come Obasanjo never had any idea that his good friend was planning something so momentous as a coup involving the most populous country in the world (Nigeria)? I suppose “close friendships” vary, perhaps in the way that very close friends who share intense love for certain sports might yet have other very close friends who have absolutely no interest in same sports! But this is just conjecture…
Many contemporary reviews tend to easily conclude - especially because of this impressive work/ tribute - that Obasanjo was Nzeogwu's best friend. But perhaps this is a simplistic verdict. Adewale Ademoyega 's perspective (he was close to both of them in those days, and was one of the key men who orchestrated Nigeria's first coup) might be somewhat damning: "Obasanjo was also Nzeogwu's friend, so that whenever he was around, he shared the same bed with Nzeogwu. At that time Obasanjo was in the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps. He was a quiet colourless and easy going officer who did not attract any personal recognition and would not be reckoned with as revolutionary. His friendship with Nzeogwu derived mainly from the latter's ready friendliness towards all officers that were close to him." (from the book, Why We Struck). But no matter. The formidable scholar, Isawa Elaigwu who has published major works on Yakubu Gowon (former Nigerian Head of State) has written: "Many Nigerians believe that Nzeogwu was not guided by ethnic bias but was let down by his colleagues in the execution plot". What is also clear is that in this work, Obasanjo presents a comprehensive picture of Nzeogwu, essentially a panegyric, but also intermittently mildly critical. We get to know Nzeogwu a lot, and hence this is a very important work for record and scholarly purposes.

[I.J]

It is impossible to understand modern-day Nigeria without exploring the January 1966 coup - the issues that produced it, as well as its disastrous aftermath. This is a short biography of the most famous leader of the coup, written by his friend (who positioned himself very differently both during Nzeogwu’s lifetime and in the decades that followed). Primary strengths of this book are the insights into Nzeogwu’s behavior/ideology as observed by his friends and colleagues, discussion of his experiences in post-independence Congo, and the attached letters from his time in Kirikiri. For a more personal biography, I recommend the book written by Peter Nzeogwu (his younger brother).
Obasanjo clearly adored Chukwuma Nzeogwu, but he tries to maintain relative objectivity in this book which paints a portrait of an young man that was at once idealistic, bullheaded, occasionally callous, and naive. Less room for complexity is given to Nzeogwu’s coup compadres, especially Emmanuel Ifeajuna who is described as a bumbling coward (what kind of coward attempts to overthrow two governments within a three-year span?)
Useful information about an important, often misunderstood figure in Nigerian history. Recommended.

[Buks Atiba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a man whose motivations and actions forever altered the course of a nation written by his friend who has similar historical significance.

Lieutenant Colonel Nzeogwu a.k.a “Kaduna” is largely credited with plotting Nigeria’s first military coup, and his close friend peels back the layers to show what his likely motives were and answers a question I’ve long had since first learning about coups in school. How does one even execute one? The coup in question fails, but the course of a nation is forever changed.

The early parts of the book attempt to give context to who the man is, and what better way than to examine his childhood. But this part is lacking in depth compared to the rest of the book where the author is able to draw from his first hand encounters with Nzeogwu. Still, it’s a very insightful and enjoyable book. It invites the reader to draw their own conclusions, and also portrays such strong brotherhood and the realities of being in the military in the 50s and 60s.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up the book, but I really enjoyed it.

[Samuel Adeosun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked a copy of this book in NIMBE ADEDIPE library to read. Of course, Mr. Kazeem recommended it, showed me the exact section it was, and how to ensure no one else picked it in case I didn't finish it the same day I began reading. It was probably the first book I read about Nzeogwu. It takes you to the background story, the state of affairs and the reason for the coup.

Here comes the question I asked myself while reading:

Was Major Patrick Kaduna Chukwuma Nzeogwu a hero or a villain?

We could probably have some answers after reading this one. It also tells some accounts of our history before the 1966 coup!

Above all, it is a mistake to assume that historical accounts are absolutely true. For we do not really know the motives of the one who put down the chronicles. I'm sure you got that :)

[Emeka Onyeagwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maj. Chukwuma had a dream of a great Nigeria that is a force to reckon with in the world, not through infective political rhetoric but through purposeful leadership. He had a dream of an ordered and orderly nation through a disciplined society. He had a dream of a country where national interest overrides self, sectional or tribal interests. He wanted a country where a person's ability. output, merit and productivity would determine his social-economic progress, rather than political, and ethnic considerations.

[Pelledgreat]

Beautiful piece

[Abdallah McNerd]

Very illuminating about the early days of an in independent Nigeria

[Adeyemi Olarotimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok