WRITING memoirs after public service is crucial. It provides a window into the inner workings of government, allowing outsiders to understand the events that shaped history. Memoirs preserve the past for future generations, offering valuable lessons. However, they can also be used to manipulate public perception, with some leaders attempting to sanitise their tarnished reputations. Considering the fact that bad leadership has been our bane, some memoirists may use the platform to rewrite history or justify questionable actions.
Despite limited progress, a peculiar tradition has emerged among our past leaders: writing memoirs that gloss over their shortcomings. These self-serving accounts rarely acknowledge mistakes or wrongdoing, instead offering sanitised versions of history. It’s a disingenuous practice that undermines our collective intelligence. Theses memoirs often read like fictionalised accounts of their time in office, conveniently omitting failures and wrongdoing.
For many Nigerians, Buhari’s legacy is one of dashed hopes. Despite initial enthusiasm, his presidency was marked by a deteriorating security situation – an ironic outcome given his military background. It appears that Buhari’s primary motivation for seeking office was personal redemption, seeking to rectify his earlier ouster from power. If so, his second term was more about vindicating himself than serving the public interest.
If notorious leaders like Hitler, Mobutu, and Idi Amin, to mention a few, were Nigerians, they’d likely publish memoirs glossing over their atrocities. Nigerians tend to have short memories, often forgetting past injustices, misrule, and corruption within two years. As Bishop Matthew Kukah noted, “We leave life backward,” nostalgic for the past. This is evident in how some Nigerians, disillusioned with the current administration, now romanticise the Buhari era, despite its numerous flaws.
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Nigeria’s forgetfulness and lack of historical perspective are exacerbated by the removal of history as a subject in schools. This omission denies students a crucial understanding of the past. As a nation, Nigerians don’t prioritise reading, leading to short memories. David Thomson, an English historian, aptly noted that “the study of history is the most liberal education a student can have in the modern world.” Reinstating history in schools could help foster a more informed and conscious citizenry.
Since 1999, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been marked by uncertainty and poor leadership. The elite class, backed by political thugs, has consistently foisted unworthy leaders on us. As a result, we’ve lost hope for meaningful development and instead become adept at coping with various forms of hardship and suffering.
We have become accustomed to struggling, rather than thriving, under the weight of poor governance.
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While some memoirs lack authenticity, certain books offer valuable insights. Bello Mohammed Adoke’s memoir, for instance, provides a courageous account of the Malabu Oil deal. I haven’t read it myself, but I followed the launch and reviewed excerpts. Other notable books include Segun Adeniyi’s book; Power, Politics and Death, and Nasir el-Rufai’s Accidental Public Servant. These memoirs shed light on their roles in the government they served. Nigerians won’t be swayed by politicians trying to rewrite their past or seek new opportunities through self-serving narratives.
Muhammadu Buhari’s regime offers little to learn from, our memory of that government is still very fresh and no one can easily mislead us. The current administration, led by Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has acknowledged inheriting a battered economy. Nigerians widely believe that Buhari was in government but not truly in power. His inability to govern effectively stemmed from a lack of vision and leadership capacity, particularly in economics, which he failed to articulate during his tenure.
The wounds of Buhari’s administration remain fresh. Perhaps, Garba Shehu’s memoirs would be better received if he waited 25 years, like Babangida did with his own account 30 years after the fact. Younger Nigerians may not recall the events, and some adults with fading memories might be swayed by biased narratives. The guest list for the book launch, featuring prominent critics of the annulment, raises questions about the book’s objectivity.
For many Nigerians, Buhari’s legacy is one of dashed hopes. Despite initial enthusiasm, his presidency was marked by a deteriorating security situation – an ironic outcome given his military background. It appears that Buhari’s primary motivation for seeking office was personal redemption, seeking to rectify his earlier ouster from power. If so, his second term was more about vindicating himself than serving the public interest.
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Under Muhammadu Buhari, the APC transformed into a party accused of harbouring corrupt politicians. Former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, noted that the party’s doors were open to anyone, regardless of their past, and that defectors were often absolved of wrongdoing. The party’s tenure was marred by allegations of mismanaging COVID-19 funds, a scandalous school feeding program that saw billions spent on non-existent students, and the reinstatement of Abdulrasheed Maina, accused of embezzling pension funds. Rumours also swirled that Abba Kyari, the late presidential aide, wielded significant influence behind the scenes. The memories of those allegations and their impact still linger.
The wounds of Buhari’s administration remain fresh. Perhaps, Garba Shehu’s memoirs would be better received if he waited 25 years, like Babangida did with his own account 30 years after the fact. Younger Nigerians may not recall the events, and some adults with fading memories might be swayed by biased narratives. The guest list for the book launch, featuring prominent critics of the annulment, raises questions about the book’s objectivity.
Such accounts expose our vulnerabilities as a nation, highlighting our gullibility and the disregard leaders have for us. It’s a painful reminder of the disconnect between those in power and the people they claim to serve, where citizens are expected to endure suffering without voicing their concerns.
Amechi, a trade unionist and pro-democracy activist, writes from Lagos
