Not my will

by Olusegun Obasanjo

One of the earlier memoirs of General Olusegun Obasanjo, distinguished Nigerian statesman and leader.

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

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 Obasanjo, whose brilliance and candour has rubbed people the wrong way over the decades. This book is an account of his stewardship when he was military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 - when he handed over power to the Shehu Shagari civilian government to universal acclaim. Obasanjo of course rode to power unwittingly after the brutal assassination if Murtala Muhammed, his predecessor.

Obasanjo is unequivocally a great African but alas he has had so many detractors over the years, especially those who adamantly felt that he was opposed to the illustrious Chief Obafemi Awolowo one way or the other. The author aims some barbs at his detractors here explaining that he had done nothing wrong, and "a tribal baron" could not have become civilian President of Nigeria at the time. He mentions ‘Aba Saheed’ as one of those who terrorise him in the media for years, though he was able to "forgive" him in the end. He says that he had nothing against the press and he admired fine journalists like Labanji Bolaji "Eselby".

The author dishes out other knocks or barbs on others - eg on celebrated musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti, on former Head of State Gowon, Elias the great jurist, among others. But it is clear that from his own perspective, the author is just calling a spade a spade. He goes into detail of how his administration tried to usher in many new developments as transition to civilian rule gathered steam. And in the end it was a gallant withdrawal by Obasanjo despite all the concomitant obstacles along the way

There is a lot to admire, admittedly in the author's life and work. As a writer he is fluent pungent and adjectival. He perhaps does not suffer fools gladly, but is often earthy and humane - giving traditional institutions and rulers their due respect; even ready to appear in court, until dissuaded...he explains that his style of leadership is less than hands- on , explanations are okay but not excuses.

At the time this book was written the author could not have imagined that he would go on to become a two time civilian President of Nigeria. But such are the vagaries of history, with General Obasanjo being very much a distinguished personality- never mind his proliferating detractors!

[Paul Lothane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a very special, important man in Africa over the many decades - that is, General Olusegun Obasanjo. He is a very intelligent, focused man with vision; he also abhors corruption and overt materialism; and he has been this from the beginning, whatever his detractors might say. This book gives details of his tenure as Head of (Nigerian) State, from 1976 to 1979 when he formally handed over to the civilians. Impressively written in the first person, please sample the following quotes from the work:

"ARGUABLY if at their most productive age when students are supposed to bubble with an apparent stream of endless energy, infantile radicalism and youthful exuberance, they are fed, clothed and housed at little or no cost to themselves, then they must find an outlet for unwinding their usual bottled up or keyed energy and emotions. In most cases it is either a form of social mischief, a diversion or a comic relief of some sort from their daily academic routine..."

"If any paper would have been banned or proscribed for criticising me, my administration...it would have been the Nigerian Tribune and late Labanji Bolaji who was vicious particularly on (Gov) David Jemibewon. But I rather saw goodness in Bolaji's critical writings which I read religiously and I even noted important points for action or for observation. I even told him that his critical writing was helpful because he spurred me..."

And further on, Obasanjo writes: "... A gagged, fettered, intimidated or pocketed press in any society is a sign of weakness...(which) may be fatal. Criticism prevents complacency and curbs excessive, overbearing and oppressive actions on the part of government... (but) excessive and inordinate criticism turns away the mind..."

"I could not have done anything more absorbing more demanding, more community-oriented, more community involving and more exemplary than farming. And in spite of my heavy indebtedness ( to banks) UBA, UNION Bank, NAL Merchant Bank and First Bank to the point of the consortium refusing to continue to finance the farms, rumours were spread that it was the fortune that I carted away that I used in developing the farms..."

[Henry Ozogula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time, or rather Fate rules the world, and it can be uncanny. I liked the latter part of this book where the author is satisfied after a job well done for his country; after all he has kept his promise to hand over power to the civilians, after prolonged military rule in Nigeria. This was in 1979 and Obasanjo was highly respected internationally as he handed power to the civilians; something so unusual in Africa at the time. In this book he reflects on how he goes back home triumphant, being hailed by many, welcomed even by the aristocrats and traditional rulers, they were all decidedly friendly! But hardly did Obasanjo know that the Fates or whatever still had many other great things in store for him. Fast forward to 20 years time, 1999 and there was Obasanjo being sworn in again this time as Civilian President of Nigeria! He would actually serve two terms - ie 8 years in office, aside from his early stint as Nigerian Head of State (military) which this book well documents. Man of Fate indeed, General Obasanjo! Even now, despite some furore and controversy, the man continues to be relevant, an international figure. As a man of letters, he has written so much about his life - like this impressive work.

[Roger B]

A quote from this book:

"He (the Leader) must be honest with those he leads as any mistrust or distrust brought about by accident or design creates a credibility gap that may be difficult to bridge.. A lie or untruth will require another one to cover up, thereby widening the credibility gap. Truth may be bitter but it earns respect in the end. It thereby edifies, fortifies and ennobles."

[Lupna Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isn't this Great Man the same person who used to beat his wife, or wives?

[Irmiya H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book