ANOTHER HISTORY BOOK FOR NIGERIA

A Review By Olu Oguntinmehin Ph.D.

The book, THE PAYOFF LINES is an additional contribution to Nigeria’s political discourse, the world’s contemporary issues and suggestions on the way forward. It is written in a simple literary style with a journalistic touch for brevity and precision.

Reading through the book, one could see that the author, Chief Sam Nkire was able to bring to bear his experiences as a veteran journalist and as an astute politician, in delivering his message to Nigeria, the world and the future generations of mankind.

The 304-page book is divided into five parts with twenty chapters and four appendixes. It is also important to note that the fact that the author does not resonate as an off-the-cuff journalist and politician across the Nigerian political landscape, is enough to take this book and its content seriously. Sam Nkire delicately toed the path of an investigative reporter in the midst of politicians and political leaders to be able to tell this story and draw his conclusions.

Writing at the age of seventy, with such a title as THE PAYOFF LINES, Sam Nkire gave the impression he was hanging the boots as both journalist and politician, or at least taking a break for the time being (even though he was not explicit). However, the author did not disappoint anyone in his effort to tell engaging and familiar stories, although in a fast-paced manner but consistent and focused in the theme of the book which is centred on peace and justice in Nigeria and in the world.

The purpose of this review is not merely to criticise this genre but also to see how much the narrative relates to, or impacts the everyday living of the common man. In a political book such as this, plot and structure are important but the message appears to be more important, when a journalist is the author. Sam Nkire literally ran away with the story, influenced by the eagerness to give back to society, without further delay, through passing on some of his thoughts to humanity, especially future generations of Nigerians.

PART ONE OF THE PAYOFF LINES is made up of four chapters which talk about:

(1) Nigeria and its beginning, (2) British Colonial Rule, (3) Life after Colonial Rule, (4) First Republic or first civilian government. PART TWO: (5) First military government, (6) Civil War, (7) Second Republic or second experiment at civil rule, (8) Military Yet Again, interrupting the 2nd Republic. PART THREE: (People & Politics) which consists of three chapters (9-11) discusses Nigerian political landscape, Economy and Social life; and Nigeria’s oil wealth turned mess. PART FOUR: (Recent Nigerian Leaders) which is made up of five chapters (12-16) analyses the regimes of Presidents: Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and the current President Bola Tinubu. PART FIVE: (SAM NKIRE THE 4TH) comprises the letter from the author to his yet-to-be-born great-grandson(17), Gospel of Jesus Christ (18), the author’s Thoughts and Works as a Journalist(19) and his Thoughts and Works as a Politician(20). Chapter 18, 20 are particularly about admonitions on the professional and ethical standards in order to achieve a just and equitable society.

The book also has three Appendixes: Random Records, Political Commentaries and the author’s Past Publications and Photographs as an attestation to his continuous quest to educate and inform the people about emancipation from oppression. Appendix 1 and 2 dealt with Random Records and Political Commentaries which highlighted such contemporary global issues as artificial intelligence, climate change, same-sex marriage, japa, boko haram and wars between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Palestine. This section also published commentaries by eminent leaders and experts on some of the economic and political problems, as well as natural disasters facing the world of today, and how to solve or avoid them.

Of great interest is the Letter to SAM NKIRE THE 4TH which was intended as a plot line in the narrative to create emotional effects. The letter was also effective in sending a clear and resonant message to young people as well as the future generations, as to what danger, a divisive society without peace, safety, justice and love for one another portends.

In general, the last part, which is PART FIVE provokes the intended emotional resonance with a lasting enough impression. And therefore, I have no hesitation in recommending THE PAYOFF LINES to all those who either hate or love peace in Nigeria and the world.