A BIOGRAPHY BETRAYED: THE SHAMBOLIC AGENDA OF “FROM A SOLDIER TO A STATESMAN“

The pursuit of biography is a sacred historical trust. It demands rigour, balance, and an unwavering commitment to presenting a subject in full—virtues and vices, triumphs, and failures. Dr. Charles Omole’s From a Soldier to a Statesman: The Life and Times of Muhammadu Buhari betrays this trust completely. It is not a biography but a shambolic assemblage of partisan testimony, functioning not to illuminate but to obfuscate. A close examination reveals a work so compromised in its motive, its sources, and its execution that it stands as an intellectual insult rather than a contribution to understanding one of Nigeria’s most consequential figures.

The fundamental failure of Omole’s work is its abandonment of biographical objectivity. Instead of a measured exploration, the book operates as a vehicle for political revisionism. Its apparent motive is not to document but to deify; not to analyze but to advocate. This transforms the project from history into hagiography, seeking to encase President Buhari in an impermeable myth of infallibility. Such an approach does a disservice to history, as it refuses to engage with the complex, often contentious reality of Buhari’s impact across decades of military and democratic rule. By sidestepping legitimate debates over policy, governance, and national unity, the book renders itself irrelevant to any serious discourse.

This fatal flaw is crystallized in the character and selection of the book’s contributors. While their names are real, the narrative they collectively weave is a masterpiece of selective memory. The pages are dominated by a chorus of voices with a clear stake in sustaining a particular political narrative—individuals who can accurately be described as opportunistic, relentlessly partisan, and historically unreliable. Where are the credible neutral observers? The respectful but critical analysts? Their absence is deafening. By relying almost exclusively on testimonies from within a closed circle of loyalists, Omole ensures the book is an echo chamber, not an investigation. This methodology strips the narrative of all credibility, as it is built not on a foundation of evidence but on the pre-fabricated pillars of sycophancy.

Consequently, the book is utterly worthless as a biographical or historical text. It does not befit the Muhammadu Buhari known to the Nigerian nation—a figure of stark contradictions, fierce dedication in the eyes of some, and profound controversy in the eyes of others. To reduce a legacy that has sparked deep national dialogue to a one-dimensional panegyric is an act of profound intellectual dishonesty. The work is a mess: poorly structured, analytically barren, and drowning in its own agenda. It offers no insight to supporters, no enlightenment to critics, and no value to scholars or future generations seeking to understand this era.

In the final analysis, Charles Omole’s From a Soldier to a Statesman is more than just a bad book; it is a betrayal of the biographical craft and an affront to the Nigerian public’s intelligence. It substitutes propaganda for scholarship and hagiography for history. For this deliberate act of intellectual deception, Charles Omole owes Nigerians a sincere apology. He should ask for forgiveness for the insult of presenting such a skewed and shamelessly agenda-driven work as a serious biography. Furthermore, he owes a specific apology to the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, for in seeking to create a plaster saint, he has robbed their patriarch of his authentic, complex humanity—the very essence any respectable biography seeks to capture. True legacy is built on truth, not fable. This book, sadly, is a monument to the latter and thus deserves to be dismissed and forgotten.

Hassan Dan Aboki

Kaduna

23 December 2025

Obasa ‘declares’… Lauds President Tinubu’s Bold Economic Policies

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has ‘declared’ “progress that cannot be stopped, peace that cannot be shaken, and prosperity that cannot be denied for our Assembly, our state, and our beloved nation.”

In the same breath, he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for implementing bold economic reforms, which he says are already transforming Nigeria’s economy and restoring confidence in the nation’s future.

Speaking at the 23rd Thanksgiving and End-of-Year Service organized by the Assembly’s Christian Forum, on Friday, December 19, with the theme, ‘I Declare (Isaiah 46:10)’, Obasa said, “Our theme is more than a phrase – it is a trumpet call of faith and vision. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God declares the end from the beginning…We declare protection, guidance, and greater wisdom for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership bold economic policies are already yielding results.”

Obasa noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has begun to rise “like the morning sun after a long night,” with clear signs of economic recovery and growth. Inflation, he said, has eased significantly, GDP growth has accelerated to its fastest pace in four years, and non-oil revenue has reached historic levels, strengthening the country’s fiscal foundation.

“Trade surpluses have been sustained for five consecutive quarters, signalling that the economy is not just recovering but thriving. These are not just numbers – they are proof that bold reforms work,” Obasa said.

However, he cautioned, “Let us not forget that the work is not finished. Families still feel the weight of yesterday’s struggles. That is why we must press forward, hand in hand, heart to heart. The APC is committed to ensuring that every home tastes the sweetness of progress, that every child sees the light of opportunity, and that every citizen walks in the dignity of prosperity.

“As elections draw near, this is our moment to stand united, not out of routine, but out of purpose. Let us rally behind the APC with passion and conviction, for together we can keep the wheels of progress turning.”

In his homily, the guest minister, Apostle Dele Johnson, Senior Pastor of the Jesus Liberation Ministry, harped on the need to always declare positively into one’s life, adding that understanding the power in the words declared in Genesis 1 vs. 3, 11, 14, and 20 is key to a better life.

Apostle Johnson averred, “You are a product of the word you speak into your life. God has given us the power of words. Whatever you say, the universe will say Amen to it. As we go into the New Year, be conscious of the words you speak to your children and to yourself. The power of life and death is in the tongue.”

Ajadi storms Ibadan North East PDP meetings, unveils ‘Omituntun 3.0’ vision for 2027

A leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, took his 2027 ambition to the heart of Ibadan politics as he attended a stakeholders’ meeting of PDP party leaders, Local Government Executives, and Ward Chairmen at the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat, before proceeding to the Local Government General Meeting, where he received a rousing welcome from thousands of party faithful.

Addressing party leaders and members, Ajadi said his visit was part of his ongoing consultation across the state, stressing that his ambition is anchored on continuity and deepening the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

“I have come to formally introduce myself to our leaders, ward executives, local government executives and the general members of the PDP in Ibadan North East,” Ajadi said. “My governorship ambition is to succeed His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and to consolidate on his record of good governance.”

The aspirant described his engagement with party structures as a fulfilment of his personal commitment to remain accessible to party members even before assuming any public office.

“I made a promise to myself that before becoming governor, I would always be present with the leaders and members of my party. This visit is part of that promise I made,” he stated.

Ajadi specifically appealed to women and youths to rally behind his aspiration, while calling on party men to remain politically mobilised to sustain the developmental momentum in the state.

“I plead with our women to support me wholeheartedly, and I urge our men to remain politically agile behind this project. Together, we will continue the development Governor Makinde has brought to Oyo State,” he said.

Drawing a direct link between his vision and the Makinde administration, Ajadi declared himself the next phase of the state’s development journey.

“Governor Seyi Makinde delivered Omituntun 1.0 and is successfully implementing Omituntun 2.0. I stand before you today as Omituntun 3.0, and I ask for your support to move Oyo State forward,” he added.

Responding to questions raised by the PDP Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Fatokun Abuye, regarding the ongoing empowerment registration by the Ajadi Movement, the aspirant confirmed the initiative, explaining that it was designed to properly identify beneficiaries.

“Yes, the empowerment registration is genuine. I directed the Ajadi Movement to carry out the registration so that we can have accurate records of those to be empowered,” Ajadi explained.

He further announced plans to support education and party infrastructure, revealing that scholarships would commence for secondary school students from January, while pledging to provide solar power for the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat.

“I have promised that secondary school students will benefit from scholarships starting January, and I will also provide solar system to power the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat for,” he said.

In his response, Alhaji Abuye acknowledged earlier concerns about the empowerment registration process but expressed satisfaction after engaging directly with Ajadi.

“I had earlier cautioned members of the Ajadi Movement for registering people without informing the party leadership. But now that I have seen and interacted with the man behind the movement, I am convinced the initiative is genuine,” Abuye said.

The PDP chairman noted that Ajadi was the first governorship aspirant to personally visit party leaders in Ibadan North East, contrasting him with others who merely announce ambitions online.

“Some aspirants are governors on Facebook, but Ambassador Ajadi is on the ground, moving from one local government to another, meeting leaders and members face to face,” he said.

Abuye added that although party leaders are politically experienced, ultimate success rests with divine intervention.

“With God’s intervention, I believe Ajadi will secure the ticket. He should continue with his good deeds,” he added.

Speaking at the meeting, Alausa Dauda, Chairman of Ward 4, described Ibadan North East as the strongest PDP stronghold in the state and expressed confidence in Ajadi’s leadership qualities.

“Ajadi has the capacity and charisma to succeed Governor Makinde. Ibadan North East has never been won by any other party except PDP, as even late Governor Abiola Ajimobi once acknowledged,” Dauda said.

Similarly, Wasiu Tijani, Chairman of Ward 12, emphasised the importance of voter participation and urged Ajadi to assist elderly party members in obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) when INEC reopens its portal.
Former two-term Woman Leader of the local government, Alhaja Nike, offered prayers for Ajadi, describing his consultation style as evidence of readiness for leadership.

“May Almighty God guide and protect him. His approach shows he is worthy of becoming the next governor,” she prayed.

Also speaking, Hon. Mumin Yekin, Treasurer of the Ibadan North East PDP, advised Ajadi to deepen engagement with party executives at ward, local government and state levels to strengthen internal cohesion.

The visit marked another milestone in Ajadi’s statewide consultations as he continues to build grassroots support ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship race.