Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to uphold truth and integrity in the face of misinformation and falsehood that threatens the fabric of society.
“Nigerians need more men of courage. I hope that this marks the beginning of our commitment to truth, our dedication to integrity, and our resolve to push for a nation that comes together to choose the truth over a lie,” he declared while expressing optimism of a future guided by integrity and truth.
Senator Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday during a public presentation of a new book, “Beating All Odds: Diaries and Essays on How Bola Tinubu Became President,” written by veteran journalist and literary artist, Sam Omatseye, at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.
Shedding light on the challenges faced in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential elections, the Vice President extolled Omatseye’s literary prowess and unwavering commitment to truth, noting the significant role played by individuals who possess the power to articulate profound narratives.
“Whoever possesses the power to craft words into memorable sentences is an army of one, especially when they see the world through three dimensions,” he noted.
Reflecting on the significance of Omatseye’s work, Senator Shettima said, “Mr. Sam Omatseye stands as a courageous sentinel for our history. He transcends the omission of those who shy away from truth in the most uncomfortable places and in the scariest of circumstances.”
He described Omatseye as “both a hero of the people and an intellectual I am excited to celebrate today.”
The VP highlighted the critical role of authentic journalism in safeguarding democracy, saying, “The build-up to the last presidential elections in Nigeria revealed a peculiar type of writers and bloggers… These authors, devoted to political fantasy, have dedicated their lives to crafting false narratives and outright fabrications to sow chaos.”
Applauding Omatseye’s ability to provide readers with a comprehensive view of Nigeria’s political landscape, the VP noted: “Mr. Omatseye didn’t only set out to share his personal diaries as a well-read political historian; he has given the world a three-dimensional view. Successfully, the author underlined both the delicate and the concrete turns of events that led to this electoral outcome.”
On the central character of the book, President Tinubu, the Vice President noted that even those trying to dent his boss’ image know full well that the President is a political phenomenon.
He stated: “Our recourse to facts in this climate of propaganda and lies would disinfect the minds of the impressionable, and this book does justice to the subject of President Tinubu’s ascent up the ladder of glories as the recipient of the nation’s highest honor – the office of the President. I believe this book is an interaction with time, a record of the science and miracle of our journey to this height.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a political phenomenon; even those who attempted to undermine him live to confess to this fact. The President’s years of building people and relationships played out during the elections, and this book provides sufficient material for curious minds.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, commended the efforts of the author of the book, describing Omatsaye as a versatile writer whose mastery of words is captured in his portrayal of events during the electioneering period.
He said the book chronicles the interventions of Omatseye in the 2023 presidential elections and an important process in the life of the country.
Osoba also thanked the author for his belief in President Tinubu’s commitment to the Nigerian project, assuring that the administration would take courageous decisions that will address current challenges in the polity.
On his part, the author of the book, Mr Omatseye, said the book is his own attempt to put in context all that transpired during the 2023 electioneering period and his modest contributions to the advancement of democracy in the country.
In his review of the book, the book reviewer, Mr Louis Odion, described the book as a meticulous chronicle of the most divisive presidential election in the history of Nigeria and a vindication of the President, as well as a razor-sharp snapshot of Nigeria at a critical moment.
Also present at the event were former Edo State Governors, Sen. Adams Oshiomole and Chief James Ibori; former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare; former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; former Minister of State for Health, Sen. Adeleke Mamora; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Delta State Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagwu; media executives, veteran journalists and editors, Azu Isiekwene, Yusuf Alli, Eric Osagie, Kazeem Afegbua, Kayode Komolafe, Bolaji Adebiyi, and Segun Adeniyi, among others.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
12th March, 2024
