My Command

by Olusegun Obasanjo

An account of the the Nigerian Civil War

Genres: History, Nigeria

178 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

About the author

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

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author, one of Africa's most esteemed statesmen, has also been a prolific author of books over the decades, to boot. This was his first book, and from the initial publication, has remained very controversial. Sundry protagonists, critics et al seem to agree that the author hardly has a good word for other people, and apparently exaggerates his own deeds and "heroics". Reading a work by "Baba" Obasanjo often reminds one of a scolding school headmaster or such, frowning, punctilious, critical, hardly having a good word for others. And this started in the great man's debut publication, this one - almost 40 years ago. And the rumblings over the contents of this work go on even now after all these years. For example the frightening feud between Obasanjo and revered Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka distinctly started after this book was published. Both illustrious men have maintained different versions of what exactly transpired between them in those precarious days of the Civil War. For Soyinka however, Obasanjo is a "liar"; and Soyinka has not been the only one to cry foul over this maiden work of Obasanjo. Others - fellow military men who were also involved in the war were not happy over this work, including Benjamin Adekunle and Alani Akinrinade. Indeed, to read this book, one gets the impression that the author almost single-handedly won the war on his own; while other illustrious war veterans have maintained that the author's role was peripheral and he was just lucky to have been there when the war tapered to an end. Whatever. This book often strongly suggests that the author at the time was always sober, innovative, though wary during the war - or whatever was left of it when he became ensconced in the saddle of his "Command". We also get the impression that he was humane, he tried to fight the war with principles, and ended the horrific war, the fighting, without any iota of vindictiveness or cruelty. And he was loyal to his superiors. His comments in this book on Ojukwu who had led Biafra during the war, are unflattering. Despite the controversy, this book is well worth reading, and was published by Heinemann, a major publisher. An important addition to the many books published, based on the Nigerian civil war.

[Patrick Okigbo III]

This is probably one of the most controversial book on the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War mainly because of the author and how he presented himself as the key variable in the successful conclusion of the war. Be that as it may, it is still an important contribution to the literature on the war and on a defining period in Nigeria's history. All said, everyone loses in a war and as the book concludes, we must collectively say, 'never again'.

[Susan Iseyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative on the Nigerian Civil War, except of course it lacks depth, and much of the account of the war is very subjective and self laudatory.

[Iliyamoda Yakubu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of the book lacks the concept of objectivity in his writing. His arguments are more personal and subjective. However, it is a good book for study on Nigeria's Civil war, a testimony of an actor that played significant role in the war.

[Olutosin]

If and only if I had the chance to read this book while I was still in school for any of the Nigeria history course I did back then, I would have had a better understanding of the country than I did before I read the book. But however, I found my command very detailed and vividly written.

[Petoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book with good insight into the civil war

[Abayomi Olusola]

Absolutely deep.

[Isma Abubakar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, gives you an insight into the Nigerian Civil War.

[Vitus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good

[Nafiu Waheed]

What a memorable book

[Olabisi John]

Ki

[Eric Antwi-agyei · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading Chinua's Achiebe's book, There was a country, I wanted to get another perspective on the Biafra war from the oppossing side.

[Morolake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to finish this book, because of the technical data laden on its pages.

However, as with any autobiography linked to historical events, it is recommended you read other books on this event. I encourage other readers to explore other books on the Biafran civil war before making conclusions.

This book is more focused on the military angle and from a personal perspective.

[Otejiri Erhurhu]

the book is okay and the site is okay