‘The Letterman’: Musikilu Mojeed earns accolades from Kukah, Anyaoku, Falola

‘The Letterman’, a soon-to-be-released book by Musikilu Mojeed, Premium Times editor-in-chief, has earned praise and accolades from several prominent Nigerians.

The book, a 25-chapter narrative non-fiction, is a collation of the most “significant and historical” letters written and received by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Through the letters, some of which have never been publicly seen before, the book tells the story of Obasanjo’s life.

The book is billed for presentation to the public on Thursday, December 1, in the federal capital territory (FCT).

Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic archbishop of Sokoto diocese, described the book as a “precious piece of recorded history”.

He said: “In the book, The Letterman, Musikilu Mojeed introduces a new genre in Presidential history and record-keeping. No single Nigerian has captured and traversed the memories of Nigerians like President Obasanjo.

“Straddling generations, famous for his role in the civil war through accepting the instruments of surrender of the Biafran army, noted for having the longest period of service as Nigeria’s Head of State and President, complex, forceful or brash, he stands out as the only person to have put down almost his every thought in writing.

“The Letterman takes the reader through President Obasanjo’s complex, intricate, even serpentine mind, captured by the contents of his no-hold-barred letters. The author has offered readers a precious piece of recorded history that will stand the test of time and occupy a special place in Nigeria’s rather barren shelves of presidential writing.”

Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, a former chairperson of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said ‘The Letterman’ is a “captivating read” that offers insight into history.

“I am amazed by the sheer quantum and depth of records accessed to write this book and the record-keeping ability of the letter writer, which is worthy of emulation,” Okauru said.

“This book is truly a treasure trove of information. Musikilu Mojeed demonstrates a knack for seeking the deep, unusual and insightful perspectives and presents this to his readers. He provides, through a review of letters written or received by President Olusegun Obasanjo, spanning from 1952 to 2020, an insight into history – especially Nigerian history, a fair portrayal of the consistency of the man behind the letters, and most importantly the cyclical nature of the challenges of governance in Nigeria and Africa.

“This is a must and captivating read for all persons seeking to build a prosperous Nigerian nation and a truly great African continent.”

Toyin Falola, Frances and Sanger Mossiker chair in the humanities, the University of Texas at Austin, said Mojeed has “miraculously uncovered treasure troves of letters and meticulously analysed momentous moments” with the book.

“The Letterman reveals values and character, in strong prose that exposes the workings of the inner mind of Nigeria’s most complicated leader, self-assured nationalist, versatile entrepreneur, and belletrist,” Falola said.

“This is a book for keeps — what historians categorise as an archive with an imperishable quality. This book will become both the source and preface to a series of other books on the language of politics and the politics of language. It is a masterpiece to understand the anatomy of authority, the conventions of power, and the intensity of intra-elite intrigues.”

On his part, Emeka Anyaoku, the former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, said: “I believe that the Olusegun Obasanjo letters will find a prominent place in the chapters of Nigeria’s contemporary history as informative insights into the national affairs of the country when they were written.

“I therefore recommend this book, The Letterman, by Musikilu Mojeed to the reading public.”

‘THIS IS UNIQUE’

Dan Agbese, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Newswatch, described ‘The Letterman’ as a “unique” offering by the Premium Times editor-in-chief.

“Musikilu Mojeed has written an engaging biography of the former Nigerian president entirely from his letters. Obasanjo used his letters to persuade, educate, and chide international and local political leaders and fight for justice at home and abroad,” Agbese said.

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough for all those who want to see the Balogun of Owu kingdom in his elements. I commend the author for charting the unique path in biographical writing and character study in our country. I repeat: this is unique.”

Similarly, Kadaria Ahmed, founder and CEO of Radio Now 93.5FM, tagged the book as a “timeless resource” that will be relevant in perpetuity.

“This most important book provides significant insight into the philosophy and politics (life and times, head, heart and soul) of one of the most consequential post-colonial African leaders, former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” Ahmed said.

“Mojeed has created a timeless resource that will enrich important conversations on nation-building and Pan Africanism, today and years into the future.”

Also commenting on the book, Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher and CEO of Premium Times, described Mojeed’s work as “extraordinarily well-researched and revelatory”.

“Journalistic reporting, particularly its biographical genre, has earned a hefty lift in Musikilu Mojeed’s The Letterman, an exploration of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s fascinating, if even provocative literary, social, cultural and political journey,” Olorunyomi said.

“This extraordinarily well-researched and revelatory work is not only a huge addition to our repertory of insight into the texture and complexion of leadership in the country, but also a major addition to knowledge creation in our political history.”

Olorunyomi added that through the book, readers will “finally come to appreciate the depth of intellect” that has defined Mojeed’s “craftsmanship and professionalism as one of the most gifted editors” in the Nigerian journalism landscape.