Politics of alienation, threat to Nigeria existence – Gov Bala

Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

The Bauchi state governor Senator Bala Mohammed has advised Nigerian leaders to prioritize national survival, national security and nation building stressing that the “zero-sum politics of exclusion and alienation has brought out the worst in every Nigerian and has threatens the very fabric of the nation’s existence.

The governor therefore called for a “return to the politics of accommodation and shared values, as the only way to build the future we desire for our children.”

The governor who made this speech at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, venue of the public presentation of the book, “Scents of Power,” written by ace journalist, Dr. Amanze Obi further advocated a national dialogue to address the fundamental question of nation building and social cohesion.

While lauding the author for his literary interventions on national issues said, “For many years, Amanze Obi has, through his several incisive articles and commentaries, provided a rallying point for stimulating

intellectual discourse on the path to national greatness and survival. I am proud that, as Nigeria stands precariously on the edge of a national dilemma, perching perilously on the

cliff, Amanze with whom I share the kindred spirit of being an English Language graduate and journalist, has provided another opportunity, for the nation to chart a path to redemption and progress.

“Nigeria may not have been born or formed in the manner we may have desired but at least, its founding fathers gave us a settled geography and thus a settled demography.”

Earlier in his remarks, Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje who wrote the foreward to the book, described Amanze as “one of Africa’s finest journalists” who has availed Nigeria his talents and energy both in public and private service.

Continuing, Ganduje chose to speak of the author rather than the book, saying, “We are very good friends even though we only met a few years ago. We met in Imo state when the former governor, Rochas Owelle Okorocha conferred on me the title of Chancellor Order of Imo, COI. Since then, our friendship has continued to grow from strength to strength.

“In spite of his significant achievements in both public and private sectors, I am honestly fascinated by his honest, respectful and humble approach to issues. But this is hardly surprising because it is very clear that he is a man who was well brought up.

“Dr. Obi is not holding any office now, yet he was able to bring together this kind of distinguished audience that we are seeing here today. It is due to the quality of the man that he was able to draw people from everywhere across the country.

“His professional work has impacted on our nation’s life . The time he was appointed to serve as commissioner on two ocassion, a lot of journalists and politicians got a chance to work with him. So, he has tasted power. That is why in my opinion in my foreward to the book, I made it clear and suggested that the title of this book should have been Taste of Power,” he said.

The book launch which was chaired by former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim was attended by several public figures which include former governor of Imo state Emeka Ihedioha and his Kano counterpart, Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senators Ben Obi amongst others.