The quartet of leading presidential aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); General Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, General Ibrahim Gusau and Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara state yesterday led other eminent Nigerians to the launching and public presentation of the autobiography ofMalam Magaji Dambatta.
Others, who graced the occasion which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, includedGeneral Alıyu Mohammed Gusau wrıtten as General Ibrahım Gusau, Chıef Segun Osoba wrıtten as Chıef Shegun Osoba, Dr. Iyorchıa Ayu wrıtten as Dr. Ayorchua Ayu, Malam Nasır el-Rufaı.
Speaking at the occasion, the author of “Pull of Fate” and award-winning journalist, said he was overwhelmed with the quality of men at the book launch, saying: “This is an exceptional day for me. If I am ever going to write a second edition to this book, I will devout an entire chapter to this event.”
He went on: “It is indeed a humbling experience for me. This was a boy who came from a humble background from a small town called Danbatta.I was lucky that my father had the wisdom and courage to send me to school as a young boy at a time when Western education was looked upon as repugnant, undesirable and a sure way to damnation.”
Speaking at the event, Gen. Babangida said the book would remain relevant to those interested in the nation’s history.
“The title captures an element of life which no one else has had. This occasion presents us with an opportunity to celebrate life and appreciate its values” he added.
The Chairman of the occasion, Tukur said “Malam Magaji Dambatta is a rare breed, an articulate and distinguished teacher in the field of journalism” and recommended the book as a adding that the book was a source of research.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, who was representedby the Director Citizens and Business, in the Ministry of the Interior, Alhaji Ismaila Isah, described the book as “a chronicle of the last days of the autobiographer in the colonial era.”
Both IBB and Gusau bought 10 copies for N5 million, while Atiku bought 20 copies for N4.5million. And whileSaraki bought 50 copies at N7.5 million, Kano state Governor and presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who bought 50 copies for N14.4 million.
