Book presentation- "This Way Nigeria" by Obiora Obasi

The wave of security and economic problems and need to find lasting solution is reason for presentation of the book.  “ This way Nigeria” – Proposal for economic regeneration and lasting peace in Nigeria  by Mr Obiora Obasi on 3/8/2018

In his opening remark The House of  Representative committee chairman on works Hon Toby Okechukwu attributed the Nation's problem to dominance of strong individuals over strong institution as well as inability to tackle systemic corruption with technology. 

“ I want to congratulate the Author for his contribution towards our effort to recreate the Nation. The book is trying to see whether there is justification of Lord lugards assessment of Africans in character and temperament or whether we can be above board. Can we recreate ourselves, can we be better persons.                When you see that other societies have improved, there is hope and when you get the right leadership, others will follow. We don’t need strong individuals, we need strong institutions.    

"When you want to fight corruption, you approach it systematically. You can see how Biometric verification number BVN. checks diversion of public funds while ATM checks robbery.              We should focus on fighting system of corruption instead of fighting  people. When you target individuals you are quarrelling instead of addressing issues. So I believe this book is timely. 

"There are certain structures that sustain good behaviour. The current federal  system is depriving  us of development. Instead of operating a system that appears impersonal,      you bring government down to the people through regional restructuring where people are mindful of their leaders. It will be easier and cheaper to satisfy the people. The Author concluded that good leadership is not the preserve of any  age or tribe but depend  on system of merit to cure ills of the Nation”.

In his book review, Professor of Public Administration in Dept of Public Administration and local government of University of Nigeria Nsukka as well as visiting Professor of Political science University of Abuja Prof.Tony Onyishi explained that change in public strategy is essential to stop the escalating socio economic crisis in the land.

“ This book is an attempt to respond to the song of late Sonny okosun “ Which Way Nigeria".         And this is appropriate. The time has come for the idea of which way Nigeria should go.           The Author captured detailed analysis of manifestation of corruption in Nigeria.       Because corruption is not reduced, extreme ethnic rivalry and winner takes all syndrome drove the country into acute nepotism in public appointments among other issues. Discovery of oil for quick money led to neglect of other sectors like agriculture which caused economic woes.    

"So if Nigeria has reached a cul-de-sac.              The country has to get back to where it started and consider critically the right path to stable and progressive nation. The author examined the amalgamation in 1914 and suggested that we should reform our institutions to ride along like other amalgamated countries. Nigeria should emulate Malaysia because many colonial countries evolved and stabilised through compromise and concessions to form strong nations. The author contemplated change of colonial given name of  Nigeria because name reflects ideology, psychology and identity of people. He argues that Nigeria name is foreign and lacks philosophical, cultural and  nationalistic connection because it is not indegenous to the people. He has the view that Nigeria federal system is loop sided and encroaches on equity and justice, thus against foundation of peace and security. The author proposes a rebirth of Nigeria. He agrees that Nigeria has the potential to grow by unleashing the energy and creativity of her citizens. He proposes a three tier federal structure based on six regions to provide political access based on rotation. He advocated for rotational access to power because it is the gate to representative democracy.          

"The Author gave procedure for regional system within the Nigeria federalism in the proposed new order. The proposal is a key element of the book-"This way Nigeria". Who rescues Nigeria?.          Then he talks about the search for selfless statesman  with leadership qualities to save Nigeria.  The book seeks a new socio, political and economic order for nigeria. He suggested restructuring of the country  to lay solid foundation for equity, good governance and justice for lasting peace and sustainable development. Arising from the critical assessment of plethora of challenges bedeviling Nigerian federalism and it’s political system.      Mr Obasi offers an uncommon panacea to the structural defects of Nigeria.        

"In this book The Author perused through the Labrinth of institutional decay and inadequacies of the Nigerian federal structure. He identified problem of Nigeria to inability of Nigerians to disassociate self from societal institution.          As the demand for restructuring surges.            The book is a timely intervention in proffering a reliable and dependable key to efficient organisation of the Nigerian system”.

In his contribution The president of Ohaneze ndi Igbo Enugu state. Hon Alex Ogbonnia noted that restructuring should be adopted because it captures our cultural values of managing our common resources. 

“ This book is a plus in our attempt to find a better Nigeria. Restructuring is a way to manage the revenue and expenditure of public resources.          Self determination is managing common wealth to best of ability. Current Constitution makes it hard for people to exploit their natural resources and attract prosperity in the land”. 

While Representing Sen. Ike Ekweremadu,             A Consultant Engineer, Engr. Jonathan Ivoke explained that search for solution is necessary because we are suffering despite our huge potential, 

“ I bring warm greetings from Deputy Senate President Prof Ike Ekweremmadu because the development of youths, women and children is the cardinal reason for creating Ikeoha foundation. We are here to witness a dive by  someone in disseminating knowledge by writing a book.    "This Way Nigeria" has come at a time when all of us are looking forward to a better Nigeria. So This way nigeria, which way Nigeria, where are we going to?. I am sure the contents of this book have many vital points to make about the way to go for Nigeria. Our country is blessed with human and material resources. No matter the challenges and setbacks, we must chart a way forward as a nation to succeed”.

Also The Enugu state house of assembly member representing Aninri constituency Hon Mathias Ekweremadu represented by Hon Simeon  Nwanjoku and Special assistant to Enugu state Governor on rural development Hon Uche Ogbonna delivered goodwill messages.

Meanwhile The Traditional ruler of Okpanku community in Aninri LGA. Igwe Reginald Ajah Chukwu advocated for tolerance and attitude change in order to overcome the agitations in the land.

“ I witnessed Obiora Obasi write a good book. “This Way Nigeria”. It’s interesting and I commend him. This book is important because of the problem we have in Nigeria. We will learn a lot from the book to overcome agitations”.

While capturing the significance of the moment . The Author of the Book “ This Way Nigeria”.            Mr Obiora Obasi described how our current structure is blocking lasting peace and security. According to him, we should change our road map and discover better ways of reaching our political and socio economic destination. 

“ The book -"This Way Nigeria"- Proposal for economic regeneration and lasting peace in Nigeria. I am overwhelmed by people's support. You just need to enter social media to witness the amount of dysfunctionality in the Nigerian state. The incongruities of our federal structure,  Descent into crisis. These gives some of  us sleepless nights. The state is collapsing and until something fundamental is done, we may witness a shutdown. So it is necessary for us to proffer suggestions grounded on research and intellectual rigour to salvage our situation. because we are a Nation of thinkers.      

"So this is my own contribution to making a better Nigeria. Nigerian problem rest on leadership, so I tried to examine the issue of statemanship. Comparing what has happened in other countries like Taiwan, China and Nelson Mandela of South Africa. These are nations where their leaders accomplished economic miracle by transforming otherwise comatose countries to properous nations. 

"All hope is not lost. I have confidence that the political system we are going through,         If some of the things I recommended in the book are looked into, the system might bring out someone who has statemanship qualities. Someone who bakes the cake instead of eating it with others. Someone who likes enthronement of equity, justice and peace. Someone who is not biased over political, ethnic and religious inclinations. Once we have them the Nation will be able to kick-start. Since the 1963 constitution, Nigeria has never  made fundamental progress.  I am proposing that we go back where the rain started beating us inorder to rediscover ourselves, find some common points where all of us will agree together and move forward. So I decided to put it down in a book for posterity”.