Obasanjo, Jonathan, Akume to attend Anyanwu’s book launch December 2

Chris Anyanwu, a journalist and politician, will launch her autobiography, Bold Leap, in Abuja on December 2.

The event will take place at the National Universities Commission (NUC) auditorium and will be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Dignitaries expected to attend the event include former President Goodluck Jonathan; George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation; Anyim Pius Anyim and David Mark, both former senate presidents; and Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives.

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo state, will host the event, while Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, will serve as co-host.

Segun Adeniyi, chairman of the editorial board of Thisday will review the book, while Emeka Offor will serve as the chief presenter.

The event will feature a panel discussion titled “How do we fix Nigeria: System, Structure, Institutions or Leadership?” moderated by Udenta Udenta, distinguished fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

Panellists include Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state; Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti state; Enyinnaya Abaribe, former senate minority leader; and Annkio Briggs, environmentalist and human rights activist.

In a statement, Charles Anyiam-Osigwe, chairman of the planning committee, said the event would provide a platform to address Nigeria’s enduring “national question”.

“Thirty years thence, this question remains germane,” Anyiam-Osigwe said.

He said that the presentation aims to refocus national attention on the issue.

“The list of those who have confirmed their attendance is quite impressive,” Anyiam-Osigwe added while listing former presidents, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, industry leaders, diplomats, and civil society members.

In the foreword, Obasanjo described the book as “a documentation of exploits and victories over life’s challenges and troubles, including those invented and unleashed by desperate human wickedness”.

He added that the book provides “fascinating insights into political voodooism in Nigeria and lifts the veil on the intricacies of election chicanery and subterfuge”.

The book’s final section includes a 1994 lecture by Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and commentaries from 58 notable Nigerians on the future of the country’s unity.