Sixty years after the January 15, 1966, aborted coup, eminent Nigerians, yesterday, reflected on the incident that they said had changed the course of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development and urged a quick return to fiscal and true federalism to save the country.
Eminent personalities and elder statesmen, who shared this view included former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathhew Hassan Kukak, and National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Secretary, Chief Ayo Opadokun among others.
They spoke in Lagos at the launching of Opadokun’s new book: ‘The Gun Hegemony’.
Other speakers include Sam Omatseye, the reviewer, who was represented by Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, and Pa JK Randle.
Aside proffering suggestions on the way forward for Nigeria, speakers at the packed Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre heaped plaudits on Opadokun for his sacrificial contributions to the battle against military rule that led to the return of democracy in 1999.
Other dignitaries at the event include President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by his chief of staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Attorney General, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN; Pa JK Randle; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Chief Supo Shonibare; Dr Muiz Banire, SAN; Prof. Adebayo Williams; Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye; Mr Jimi Agbaje; Dr Kunle Adegoke, SAN; Dr Fred Agbeyegbe, and Chief Patrick Doyle.
There were also Prof. Itse Sagay,SAN, Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, Olori Victoria Haastrup, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowoshe, Mrs Dupe Adelaja, Chief Turner Ogboru, Mrs Irene Abiola, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Chief Emeka Ugwu-Oju, and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, among others.
This book, for any Nigerian born over 60 years ago, is a detailed account of Nigeria’s political governance. For many of us over 60 years, it is a recording of the political journey we have witnessed. The Gun Hegemony is changing the rules the world over. Recently, we saw what gun hegemony can do with the capture of President Nicola Maduro of Venezuela and his wife in their bedroom by somebody I call the President General of the Universe.
