President Bola Tinubu is leading other prominent political and traditional rulers in attending the public presentation of “Brutally Frank,” an autobiography of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
The president, who is the special guest of honour, is being represented by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The occasion being chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, also attracts other personalities, including Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who is the chief launcher; Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi; wife of the late former Head of State, Maryam Abacha; and traditional rulers including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero; and Attah Igala, tá Matthew Opaluwa, among others.
Among the governors present at the occasion are Edo, Delta, Bauchi, and Plateau.
In his address, Gowon, under whose administration Chief Clark served as the Federal Commissioner for Information and Foreign Affairs, said even though the foremost South Korean leader was a person of strong character, he put forward his views respectfully.
He said Clark, who is the only surviving member of his government, was helpful in explaining the government and enhancing national unity.
Gowon said, “I can assure you, I’ve never had any difficulty or argument with him. It was most amicable and respectfully given.
However, considering his strong personality, there were of course times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues, commissioners, and military officers and work hard to convince them of why his own position was better than theirs.
“He was helpful not only in explaining government policies and programmes but also in the efforts to rebuild our unity in the country. I also find him useful in our vision of building a common identity within the West African sub-region.”
The former Head of State noted that “Brutally Frank” is a good chronicle of the events that happened under his administration.
He hoped that the younger generation could read the book and learn from it.
Gowon added: “I, therefore, found his personality and partnership skills assets in visiting various West African countries to canvass the need for us to have a common regional body, which today is known as ECOWAS.
“Of course, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs certainly did a very good job with his efforts.
“So this book, ‘Brutally Frank,’ therefore, is a very useful chronicle of what transpired in Nigeria during his lifetime of service.
I am hopeful that the younger generations will be better informed on the experiences that have brought the country to what it is today, on which our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have been here with us but represents the centre of our common aspirations of peace, unity, and progress.”
More details to come later…
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