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‘Accidental Public Servant’ … Book For Every Nigerian –Amaechi
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says “The Accidental Public Servant”, a new book written by former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, is a book every Nigerian needs.
Governor Amaechi said this yesterday during the launching of the book at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amaechi, who is also the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, lauded the intellectual prowess of the author, pointing out that “this is one book every Nigerian needs. It will help us avoid the mistakes of the past and do the right things.” He congratulated the former Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for the successful publication of the book.
Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, eulogised Mallam el Rufai for being forthright; noting that “the book is a product of so much courage and intellectualism,” urging political office holders to justify the confidence reposed in them by performing well while in office.
Governors of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, and Gombe, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, all commended the intellectual sagacity of the author, describing him as “a deeply family man, quintessential public servant” and “a man who has made us proud to be Nigerians.” They noted that the book “is a welcome book, a book about projects that failed and projects that succeeded,” while lamenting corruption in the nation’s public service.
Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari, noted that “Nasir is a man that is difficult to describe, given his many parts,” praising his intelligence, radicalism and non-conformist approach to issues, advising public office holders to write and keep records of their activities while in office for posterity.
Speaking, the book reviewer and Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, stated that “in writing the book, Nasir has made a transition from a political activist to a statesman,” observing that “the book is about faces, cases and places, telling the story of the unforgettable years.” He pointed out that the book makes a case for equal application of laws to everyone, regretting that “impunity has become the bane of Nigeria’s socio-political development,” noting, however, that the book contains factual errors.
In her welcome address, Chairperson of the Book Presentation Committee, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, said “Nasir is a quintessential non-conformist,” stating that “his fearlessness to withstand opposition defines his personality,” noting that the author deployed intellectual rigour in writing the book, pointing out that the book traverses the nation’s public sector.
Before then, eL-Rufai had explained, “My hope is that you people will elicit on some of the things we did in government that were right and many of the things that we did that were mistakes.
“I think that lessons are learnt when additional memories are protected, when people learn from what works and what doesn’t work and personal mistakes and errors of leaders.
“That is how to build a nation; that is how future generations learn and this is why I wrote the book, I don’t think we should have the conspiracy of silence about how our government is being run, I think we should talk openly about it, celebrate what we did right and admit where we made mistakes and name names so that people will know that when you are in leadership position, history will judge you, that is what is my biggest motive here,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday picked holes in the books Accidental Public Servant by former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, stressing that the book could be described as a fiction for self-glorification at the expense of truth.
According to Atiku Abubakar, what the former minister requires at the moment was prayer rather than anger. The attack is coming barely twenty four hours after the book was formally presented to the public at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissed the book, just as he said that it was a collection of fiction, half-truths, exaggeration and reflection of selective memory.
In a statement from his media office yesterday, ‘’Atiku Abubakar was particularly piqued by the claim of el-Rufai that he had almost resigned as the former Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) because of alleged persistent pressure and interference by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was then the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation.
‘’Atiku’s Media Office expressed disbelief that the former FCT minister forgot soon what he said at the Senate public hearing on BPE on August 8-13, 2011. That adhoc committee was headed by Senator Ahmed Lawan.
‘’It recalled el-Rufai as saying that he had special relationship with former President Obasanjo, which gave him direct access and the discretion to bypass the Council on Privatisation headed by Atiku in order to get the approval of the President.
‘’The Media Office wondered how el-Rufai could reconcile his threat of resignation with the accounts he told the Senate about the latitude of freedom he enjoyed at BPE because of his closeness to former President Obasanjo.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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