A new book on Nigeria’s political history is due to be released in May 2014 as Nigeria gears up for the 2015 elections.
Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola, a freelance writer and an op-ed contributor to most Nigerian newspapers is set to release the new book that outlines and x-rays the activities and programmes of Nigerian political parties and politicians from pre-independence to the present day with a view to avoiding the pitfalls of the early republics.
The book was borne out of the author’s observation of the continued omissions and errors by political parties and politicians which led to the collapse of the first, second and third republics.
Hence, the need to call the attention of both political parties and politicians to the task of ensuring that the nation becomes united.
“Nigerian political parties and politicians: A call for national unity” comes at a time when some states are preparing for elections and when Nigerians are gearing up for the 2015 general elections.
The dangerous correlation between political events of the early republics and what is happening in the current republic as revealed by Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola’s study makes writing the book of great importance to him. “Nigerian political parties and politicians: A call for national unity” is a book for people who are interested in Nigeria’s political history and the level of progress made after 53 years of independence.
The book covered the political parties and events in the first, second and third republics as well as the current republic and provides guidelines for planning for the future in order to avoid the mistakes of the past which Nigeria still bears its consequences.
The first chapter of the book which is the introduction gives a general idea of politics, governance and what is to follow. Chapter two examined the political events of the first republic as well as the activities of the parties that existed during this era. The third chapter which is entitled: Political Parties in the Second Republic (1979-1983) looked at the registered political parties during this period, the elections and what led to their collapse. Chapter four examined the short-lived third republic while political parties in the current republic were the main focus of the fifth chapter. Chapter six provides guidelines for planning for the future.
The author shared his ideas on how Nigeria can address some of the problems that led to the collapse of the first, second and third republics. The book is written primarily for all future and present politicians who are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the nation progress at a steady pace and also unite. It should be of interest to every Nigerian citizen, political observers as well as analysts. Students of political science and history will also find it a useful book.
Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola is a frequent contributor to most Nigerian newspapers and a self-published author.
