“My political journey looked like a political miracle. From deputy governor to becoming president of this country within four years – it was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible.”
He applauded the author for his intellectual prowess in chronicling the experiences, stories, and facts revolving around his administration as the president of the country.
In his address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion also commended Abati for his intellectual rotundity that saw him excelling as a journalist, commentator, political aide, politician, and now author.
“On what I regard as essential attributes of life for success and nation-building, I am happy that now that you have seen it all, those essential attributes are as important to you today as they were to me then.
“The truth that I stood for at that time, you have now come to stand for. I am happy that in my lifetime, I can say I have a son in Reuben Abati who has matured, who has understood, who has progressed, and who is now on the path of success.
“And I want to say again, there’s a difference between progress and success. You have made progress; now you have to make success, and may God continue to help you to make success, ” Chief Obasanjo said.
Book reviewer Louis Odion wittingly submitted that,’’ the three books are undoubtedly monumental fittingly reflecting the putative monumentality of Dr Reuben Adeleye Abati, a consequential public intellectual, a media icon, a politician and, more importantly, someone relentlessly advocating for a better Nigeria.’’
According to him, the three books are reflections of Nigeria’s best and worst moments, adding that they highlight the nation’s potential for unity and progress.
In his remarks, Abati assured that more revealing works on the Jonathan presidency would be published in the future.
The event featured a keynote address by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Hassan Kukah.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including former Ogun State governor Segun Osoba; Abia State governor Alex Otti; Lagos deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat; EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir.
Others were former governors Gbenga Daniel and Adams Oshiomhole; Ambassador Godknows Igali; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, PUNCH Newspapers, Mr Joseph Adeyeye; publisher of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; advertising mogul Biodun Shobanjo; former presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina; ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena; Prof Anthony Kila; and sports administrator Amaju Pinnick.
Also present were Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Gbenga Isiaka; Oodua Group Chairman Bimbo Ashiru; Chief Felix Fagbohungbe; Prince Julius Adelusi; actress Shaffy Bello; veteran journalist Tola Adeniyi; and the book’s publisher, Ayo Arowosegbe.
