By Tunde Olusunle

*Mamman Vatsa Writers Village,* tucked amidst igneous rocks and ranges, vales and valleys in Abuja’s *Mpape District* is rapidly contesting the medal of Nigeria’s most vibrant headquarters of literary activity. The physical location of the ever-growing permanent headquarters of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA), was, for several decades after it was allocated to ANA in 1986, a forlorn wasteland. The soldier-poet, Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was a member of the association and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) in his time, was concerned about the serial mendicant nomadism of the association. ANA forever quested, cap in hand, for host states across the country, for its activities. Vatsa, an army General and poet himself, concurred with the request of ANA’s primordial leadership, for a settled operational address and allocated the present site, to the association. The bounteous parcel of land survived attempted takeovers by successive regimes and capricious trespassing. These chopped off nearly half its original span of over 60 hectares.

Under the leadership of Denja Abdullahi a few years ago, ANA secured partnership with *KMVL,* a construction firm headed by Kolawole Shaw, also a retired military officer, for the actualization of the dream of structured physical development of the hectarage. The breathtaking, still-in-progress complex, already features well paved, substantially tarred network of roads complete with drainages. There is a large auditorium, parking areas, secretariat, library, luxury suites, apartments, bars and African-themed gazebos. There are residential blocks by way of fully detached, semi-detached and terraced houses. There is even a modern shopping centre, as part of the enterprise of making the village self-sufficient. The names of famous Nigerian writers echo from the doors and signages of structures and facilities, beginning with the revered African master storyteller, Chinua Achebe, after whom the conference centre is christened.

*Chairman of the Abuja chapter of ANA, Arc Chukwudi Eze, (left) and former FCT Minister, Engr Muhammad Abba-Gana, CON, welcoming former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, to the weekend ANA event in Abuja.*

The secretariat of the association pays tribute to Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, one of Africa’s most profound and most prolific dramatists. Suites in the residential area, voice the names of past leaders of ANA, notably Odia Ofeimun, Kole Omotoso, Abubakar Gimba, Olu Obafemi, Wale Okediran, Jerry Agada, Remi Raji and Denja Abdullahi. The two-storey standalone “writers residency” is tribute to the memory of former ANA President and Ogoni rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. A prominent playwright, novelist and essayist, Saro-Wiwa was, sadly, executed alongside eight others under the military government of Sani Abacha in 1995. They were allegedly complicit in the murder of four of their kinsmen, months earlier, a development which stirred restlessness in the oil producing area. The *Mamman Vatsa Writers Village* is rapidly assuming the status of the new *Mecca* for African literature, an evolving pearl of the continent.

Between the monthly activities of the Abuja segment of ANA and the quarterly events organised by the national body, the writers’ facility is regularly kept alive. Literary juggernauts like Osofisan, Obafemi, Ofeimun, Ernest Emenyonu, Okediran, Raji, Abdullahi, Niyi Osundare, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Shamshudeen Amali, Idris Amali, Al-Bishak, Udenta Udenta and Sunnie Ododo, have been guests and pilgrims at the resort. Same for Tony Afejuku, Razinat Mohammed, Mabel Evwierhoma, Dul Johnson, Joe Ushie, Maria Ajima, Rasheed Na’Allah, Amanze Akpuda, Greg Mbajiorgu, Isiaka Aliagan, and indeed the recently transited literary luminary, Nuhu Yaqub. The diaspora component of Nigeria’s formidable literary harvest, as well as foreign writers, are also regular callers at the village. Voices and laughters; “hi fives” and backslaps, typically activate and enliven the slumbering boulders and sleeping bedrocks in the commune, whenever literary adherents, pilgrimage.

Saturday February 22, 2025, the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village hosted an unusual guest. The airwaves had become frenzied weeks and days before when it became public knowledge that the first President in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, Olusegun Obasanjo, would be the distinguished guest at the month’s edition of the regular reading and writer’s dialogue. The planning was competently steered by the Abuja zone of ANA, led by Chukwudi Eze, the veteran architect who designed the *Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library,* Abeokuta, Africa’s first such purpose-built resource. Obasanjo was to speak to the topic: *The Writer’s Role in Nation Building and Africa’s First Presidential Library.* Obasanjo’s life and career as a soldier; military Head of State; world statesman; death row prisoner; democratically elected President, traversing aeons and times, has spawned a luminous repertoire of books and publications. These include *My Command,* (1980); *Nzeogwu,* (1987); *Africa Embattled* (1988) and *Not My Will,* (1990). There are also *This Animal Called Man,* (1998), and *My Watch,* (2014), which is a hefty three-volume work. To be doubly sure, Obasanjo’s oeuvre spans over two dozen books straddling several subjects and preoccupations.

A three-man panel made up of Professors Emeka Aniagolu of Veritas University, Abuja; Razinat Mohammed, University of Abuja and Onyinye Nwagbara of the Nigerian Defence Academy, (NDA), were billed to engage with Obasanjo. The imminence of Obasanjo’s return flight, however, altered the plan. Obasanjo opted to speak to the first part of the topic, the role of the writer in nation building, deferring the discourse on the presidential library until another encounter. He decried the poor reading culture in Nigeria which is on the rise, and warned it could be antithetical to the preserved of the nation’s literary heritage. According to him, Nigeria has produced some of the world’s finest and most respected writers, a situation which he observed compels the evolution of new writers to sustain the trajectory. Obasanjo noted that despite the advantages provided by technological advancement, many youths do not apply themselves to the grindstone of rigorous reading and intellection. He noted that if this *laissez-faire* attitude is not corrected, it could backlash vis-a-vis the emergence of uninformed and incompetent leaders. The former President noted that the internet provides limitless opportunities which must be leveraged by the younger generation. His words: “Many of them no longer do serious reading. Reading makes an effective and productive human being. A reader is a leader, a leader must not necessarily be a writer but must be a reader to be up to speed with trends and happenings.”

Speaking further, Obasanjo noted that “Nigeria is blessed with good writers who have used their craft in nation building and one of such distinguished authors is Chinua Achebe. He showcased Nigeria’s culture to the world and elevated our culture in his writings.” The former President charged the youths to take bold steps in shaping their own futures rather than wait for opportunities to drop on their laps. He noted that the recurring mismanagement of the nation’s human and material resources were at the roots of the nation’s travails. He canvassed the application of political will in the nation’s policy formulation and execution, noting that limited bureaucratese in military dispensations was instrumental to better effectiveness under martial rulership. He commended ANA for its impressive work in developing the writers village and in championing initiatives to inspire up and coming writers.

ANA Abuja Chairman, Chukwudi Eze noted that the power of writing is evident in the motivational phrase: “Give me liberty or give me death,” which birthed the American revolution and built the nation into a global colossus. He thanked Obasanjo for according him the special privilege of designing the Abeokuta-based presidential library. He applauded Obasanjo’s initiation of the *Africa Leadership Forum,* (ALF) back in the days, which sought to broaden the worldview of the continent’s potential leaders. Eze expressed the hope that Nigerian leaders across levels will emulate Obasanjo’s uncommon Pan-Nigerianism and the placement of competence and merit, over and above clannish parochialism. ANA National President, Usman Oladipo Akanbi who flew in from Ilorin for the programme, thanked Obasanjo for the honour done to the association by his keeping a date with the writers body like he promised. The gesture, he noted will spur the association to greater heights. Akanbi noted that the former President indeed brightened the weekend of youths and teenage students who attended the event, who never believed they would ever see him in flesh and blood.

Former Minister of the FCTA, Muhammad Abba-Gana, CON, who attended the event, commended Obasanjo for liberalising property ownership in Abuja by approving the mass housing scheme, proposed during his period in office as Minister. He observed that before Obasanjo’s coming, workers were predominantly resident in faraway communities and had to commute through the stress of heavy vehicular traffic to the city centre everyday, and back home. Abba Gana acknowledged Obasanjo’s courageous liquidation of Nigeria’s foreign financial commitments and his bequeathal of a very robust foreign reserve to the successor administration. Senator Shehu Sani who shared the same section of a jailhouse with Obasanjo when they were both incarcerated by former military leader, Sani Abacha, was equally in attendance. A published author himself, he applauded Nigerian authors for deploying their creativity to drive societal change towards the attainment of an egalitarian nation.

Jerry Alagbaoso, a former Member of the House of Representatives and prolific playwright; former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Shamshudeen Amali, and Obasanjo’s private secretary during his stint as military Head of State, Ambassador Albert Omotayo, were also at the programme. The Chinese Embassy was represented at the gathering by a three-man delegation led by Yang Jianxing, the Cultural Counsellor and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Nigeria. Al Bishak, Vicky Sylvester Molemodile, Professors at the Federal University Lafia and the University of Abuja, respectively, and Colonel Shaw, lead developer of the ANA behemoth and member of the association by adoption, were also present. Etim Oqua, a retired police Commissioner and Otunba Abiodun Fagboun, graced the occasion. On Obasanjo’s entourage were his longstanding ally, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe and Obasanjo’s children, Obabiyi, and Funke. Obasanjo received an ANA-branded commemorative souvenir presented by Usman Akanbi, in recognition of his untiring contributions to national development, through the decades.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

By Emmanuel Ajibulu*

Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, impressively displayed the strength of his academic prowess during the moment he was giving insights into the autobiography of former military President, General (rtd.) Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, “A Journey In Service” just as he described IBB as one of Nigeria’s most enigmatic leaders, stating that his highly publicized literary and scholarly work offers a rare perception into the life and times of the former leader.

Professor Osinbajo beautifully embodied the essence of the moment, he was honest without pretenses or masks and also exhibited his true feelings and thoughts. He further climaxed the high profile event with a good sense of humour that wrapped everyone with laughter, particularly when he jokingly remarked that President Bola Tinubu GCFR, was now celebrating with his former tormentors.

The book which chronicled major events that characterized the June 12, 1993 presidential poll, which was launched on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, was described by Osinbajo as “an important book.”

Osinbajo, who was the book reviewer, held the audience spellbound while giving a brilliant assessment of the 440-page autobiography that tells the important and intriguing story of one of the most important days in Nigeria’s history and the events surrounding it.

He described the book as “the story of stories; it is the story of our nation.”

He said IBB was one of the most charismatic and enigmatic leaders of the country, making his memoir a valuable addition to history.

He said Babangida gave his views on all the major national events that defined his eight-year rule as Nigeria’s military president.

Quoting excerpts from the book, he said IBB explained his role in stopping the 13 February 1976 coup attempt led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suwa Dimka.

Lt. Dimka, who was later executed along with other officers, had attempted to overthrow the government of General Murtala Mohammed.

Dimka and IBB were family friends.

The book also explains why another IBB friend, Maman Vatsa, was implicated in the 1986 coup that led to his execution.

Osinbajo also explains the relationship between IBB, Generals Yakubu Gowon, T.Y. Danjuma and Abdulsalam Abubakar as narrated by the author, which has led to mutual respect amongst them.

It was Gowon who inspired IBB, Abubakar and eight others to enlist in the army after he visited their secondary school and gave a talk.

The students then were impressed by Gowon’s smart dress and motivational talk.

Perhaps, the most shocking revelation in the book is IBB’s admission that late M.K.O Abiola won the June 12, 2023 presidential election which he annulled.

Osinbajo teased the audience with a few details about what led to the annulment before telling his listeners to find out from the book who ordered the annulment!

He got a standing ovation after his masterful delivery which was commended by IBB and his son Mohammed.

Also during the former VP’s review, he reminisced how Tinubu, then a senator, resisted the dissolution of the Senate under Sani Abacha, following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“And then, of course, there’s a gentleman here who was an elected senator in 1992 because of Babangida’s transition programme,” the former vice-president said.

“When Babangida annulled the 1993 election and General Abacha took over, dissolved the senate, that senator tried to reconstitute the senate in resistance to the dissolution.

“He was detained, charged to court, and later escaped into exile. Today, he is here, celebrating with his former tormentors—but as the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu.”

A book that will not end the debate

Concluding his remarks, Osinbajo described Journeys in Service as an engaging and insightful account of Babangida’s life.

“By any standard, this is an extraordinary book. Babangida tells his story with remarkable wit, insight, and a vivid sense of place. His storytelling ability is undeniable,” he said.

However, he noted that the book would not silence debates or end controversies surrounding Babangida’s rule.

“The questions will persist, the criticisms will continue, but that has always been the nature of the Babangida phenomenon. He remains, as ever, a force of history.”

Osinbajo urged Nigerians to read the book, saying it offers a chance to engage with history from Babangida’s own perspective.

“Babangida in his own words—this is a book we must all read,” he concluded.

Without doubt, Prof. Osinbajo last Thursday reaffirmed that he is a brilliant lawyer and consummate teacher of the law, his works as the former Attorney-General of Lagos State is still a reference point. As Vice President, he made indelible impacts to national growth and development, and was very dutiful in his assignments.

His eloquence is applaudable, His mastery of the English also stands him out.

●Ajibulu is a seasoned media practitioner, infopreneur, writer, PR consultant, publisher/editor-in-chief of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) an online magazine ([email protected]).

By Sunny Anderson Osiebe

Below is a critical examination of the situation, considering the Senate President’s actions, Senator Natasha’s rights, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political image and democratic principles.

*The Senate President’s Alleged Intimidation of Female Senators*
The Senate President’s recent actions towards senator Natasha Akpoti must be scrutinized within the context of his treatment of female senators. And to ascertain if there is a pattern of behavior that has to do with intimidation or marginalization of women in the Senate, because his recent actions raises serious concerns about gender bias and equality in Nigeria’s legislative processes. This is because such behavior undermines the principles of inclusivity and fair representation, which are essential in a democratic society. If female senators are consistently subjected to harsher treatment or exclusion, it reflects poorly on the Senate’s commitment to gender equality and could deter women from participating in future politics and political activities.

*The Manner In Which Senator Natasha Was Asked to Leave the Chamber*
The Senate President’s decision to call the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Senator Natasha from the chamber must be evaluated for proportionality and respect for due process. While the Senate Standing Orders grant the Senate President authority to enforce rules, the manner in which this authority is exercised matters. If the action was perceived as overly aggressive or dismissive, it could be interpreted as an abuse of power. The use of force or public humiliation to enforce compliance risks undermining the dignity of the Senate and the individuals involved. A more diplomatic approach, such as private discussions or warnings, might have been more appropriate to address the issue without escalating tensions.

*Senator Natasha’s Right To Expression*
Senator Natasha’s right to express herself is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance. While Section 10(2) of the Senate Standing Orders requires senators to sit in their designated seats to be recognized, her refusal to comply could be seen as a form of protest against what she perceived as unfair treatment. If her reassignment was indeed part of a broader pattern of marginalization, her actions might be interpreted as a legitimate stand against systemic bias. However, her defiance of Senate rules also raises questions about the balance between individual expression and collective discipline in a legislative body. While her right to protest is valid, it must be exercised within the framework of the rules governing the Senate.

*International Impact On Nigeria’s Political Image*
The Senate President’s actions have implications beyond Nigeria’s borders. In an era of global scrutiny, incidents like this can damage Nigeria’s reputation as a democratic nation. If the Senate President’s behavior is perceived as authoritarian or discriminatory, it could reinforce negative stereotypes about Nigeria’s political culture. International observers, including foreign governments and human rights organizations, may view such incidents as evidence of systemic gender inequality or a lack of respect for democratic norms. This could affect Nigeria’s standing in international forums and its ability to advocate for democratic values globally.

*The Senate President’s Past Attitude Toward Female Senators*
If the Senate President has a history of contentious interactions with female senators, as could be seen also in his case with Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe the Senator representing FCT, therefore senator Natasha Akpoti’s incident of February 20th 2025 cannot be viewed in isolation. Because a pattern of behavior targeting women would indicate a deeper issue of gender bias within the Senate leadership. Such behavior not only undermines the credibility of the Senate President but also raises questions about the Senate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Addressing these concerns would require a thorough review of the Senate’s internal culture and leadership practices.

*Senator Natasha’s Status As An Elected Representative*
As an elected representative, Senator Natasha has a mandate to represent her constituents. Her treatment in the Senate must respect this mandate and the democratic principles that underpin it. If her reassignment and subsequent removal were perceived as unjust or politically motivated, it could be seen as an affront to the voters who elected her. Elected officials must be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their political affiliations or personal disagreements with leadership. Any action that undermines their ability to fulfill their duties risks eroding public trust in the Senate as an institution.

*Conclusion: Balancing Authority and Fairness*
While the Senate President’s actions were technically within the bounds of the Senate Standing Orders, the broader context raises significant concerns about fairness, gender equality, and democratic principles. The Senate must strike a balance between enforcing rules and respecting the rights and dignity of its members. If the Senate President’s actions are perceived as targeting female senators or stifling dissent, they risk undermining the legitimacy of the Senate as a democratic institution.

To address these issues, the Senate should consider the following steps:
– Conduct an independent review of the Senate President’s conduct, particularly regarding interactions with female senators.

– Establish clear guidelines to ensure that enforcement of rules is proportionate and respectful.

– Promote gender sensitivity training and initiatives to foster a more inclusive environment.

– Encourage open dialogue to address grievances and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ultimately, the Senate’s credibility depends on its ability to uphold both order and fairness, ensuring that all members, regardless of gender or political affiliation, are treated with respect and dignity.

Sunny Anderson Osiebe
Executive Director
HallowMace Foundation Africa