Renowned scholar and diplomat, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, marked his 75th birthday with a profound
call for leadership reform in Nigeria during the launch of his three new books.
Hagher who spoke at the presentation of the books in Abuja yesterday, emphasised the need for a shift towards genuine democratic governance and selfless leadership.
The books are; ‘English Language and its Discontents,’ ‘Leadership: Leading Africa Out of Chaos’ and ‘Beyond Ethnic Grievance: The Jukun and Tiv Crises.’
Hagher’s first book delves into Nigeria’s complex relationship with the English language, questioning whether the nation should fully embrace it as its lingua franca or challenge its colonial roots.
The second book, “Leadership: Leading Africa Out of Chaos,” presents a comprehensive manual
aimed at improving leadership across Africa, while Beyond Ethnic Grievance: The Jukun and Tiv Crises,” provides a groundbreaking analysis of ethnic conflicts in Nigeria. Speaking further, Hagher questioned the essence of Nigeria’s current democratic system, describing it as a “dictatorship of the
majority” and advocated for the transformation into a democratic republic.
He emphasised the need for leaders reminiscent of historical icons such as Sarduana of Sokoto, Tafewa
Balewa, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, and Awolowo, who he praised for their role in fighting colonialism and apartheid and promoting social justice.
