President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Thursday, said solutions to the challenges of subsidy removal are being churned out daily and not immediate.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume in Abuja at the public presentation of the autobiography of elder statesmen, Edwin Clark entitled “Brutally Frank,” assured that palliatives have been rolled out and more were still being rolled out, saying there is hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
Brutally Frank chronicled the journey of Clark as a classroom teacher, a commissioner, minister, and national activist spanning over seven decades.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion in his welcome address, described the author as a foremost Nigerian who has done his part in the growth and advancement of the Nigerian State.
The former Head of State described the book as “A very useful chronicle of what had transpired in Nigeria during his (Clark’s) lifetime of service. I am hopeful that the younger generations will be better informed on our experiences which has brought the country to what it is today, on which our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents the centre of our common aspirations of peace, unity and progress.”
Also speaking, Jonathan described Clark as one of those Nigerians whose record of service is worthy of emulation by the citizens particularly the younger ones.
“Chief Clark is one of those few Nigerians whose names should be written in letters of gold. I say this not because he is my father. This book is a collection of history that will act as a useful guide to young people,” he said.
On his part, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, called on leaders to emulate the elder statesmen, stating that his devotion to the cause of justice was what stands him out from the pack.
Former Edo state governor, Oserheimen Osunbor who reviewed the 28-chapter book commended Clark for his rich memory but not without pointing out some flaws ranging from factual errors to wrong spellings.
He said, “At times, the language is intemperate such as using the word ‘stupid on page 359.This is obviously in anger but not appropriate in a book. The most serious shortcoming is the author’s copious reproduction, reference to and reliance on the statements and opinions of other people many of which may be unreliable and unverifiable.
“An example of this is at page 559 where he quotes in extension excerpts from Mallam El-Rufai’s book ‘The Accidental Public Servant’. In the relevant portion, the author refers to a discussion at Aso Villa between President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Ken Namani and others as they mulled the idea of stopping live television broadcast of the Senate debate of the Third Term. Chief Tony Anenih is quoted to have said that he will get Professor Osunbor to move the motion.”
