How Irabor’s Book Launch Became National Security Summit as Obasanjo, Jonathan, Kukah, Sultan Spoke on Boko Haram
Nigeria’s political, military, and religious leaders gathered in a remarkable show of unity on Friday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, for the public presentation of “SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a seminal book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.). The event transformed into a profound national reflection on the country’s protracted battle with insurgency, with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan among dignitaries who delivered stark assessments of the security challenge .
PRNigeria reports that the hall, filled with serving and former service chiefs, governors, lawmakers, clerics, and civil society leaders, witnessed what many described as a historic convergence of perspectives on one of Nigeria’s most pressing security crises . The book launch, which also commemorated General Irabor’s 60th birthday, saw frank discussions about Nigeria’s approach to the Boko Haram insurgency and the complex realities that have allowed it to persist .
In his address, General Irabor clarified that his 330-page memoir was written not to indict individuals but to stimulate meaningful national dialogue and reflection. He described the work as “a national soul-searching presentation” and “an awakening reality to either act dutifully for progress, or do nothing and turn towards extinction” .
“The account in this book is the painful truth as I see it. I hope it will elicit a national conversation aimed at focusing attention on credible solutions to our challenges,” Irabor stated . He emphasized that the book was intended to inspire empathy, reflection, and ultimately hope, adding that “collectively, we can turn our scars into victories of nationhood” .
The former Defence Chief announced that proceeds from the book would be channeled toward supporting wounded veterans, schools, hospitals, and families of fallen soldiers.
Chairing the occasion, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a sobering assessment, lamenting that the Boko Haram insurgency had become dangerously entrenched in Nigeria’s reality. “The insurgency has gradually been accepted as part of our daily life, and this is a tragedy we must confront head-on,” he warned .
Obasanjo questioned whether successive governments had adequately studied and decoded the Boko Haram phenomenon, suggesting he was uncertain if the group represented more of a socio-economic revolt than the widely held view of its politico-religious origins . He expressed apprehension about what he described as the “fatalism of successive administrations” in resigning themselves to coexisting with the terror group.
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan provided revealing insights from his tenure, recalling the intricate challenges his administration faced in attempting to resolve the insurgency. He disclosed that Boko Haram insurgents had once nominated then-General Muhammadu Buhari as their preferred negotiator during his administration .
Jonathan explained that this historical context made many Nigerians believe that as president, Buhari would have greater success in tackling the rebellion. “It showed how layered and complicated the crisis was, and the many paths we had to navigate,” Jonathan stated, suggesting the complexity of the insurgency explained why both his and subsequent administrations struggled to contain it.
The most spirited exchange of the event occurred between Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who reviewed the book, and His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto .
Bishop Kukah drew connections between the Boko Haram rebellion and opportunistic actions by some northern elite who he suggested initially leveraged the insurgency for political objectives. He maintained that regardless of interpretations, Boko Haram leaders themselves operated under religious banners in their initial years .
In response, the Sultan stoutly challenged any nexus between the rebellion and political power, arguing that “Islam or even jihad was not about killing others or violence, but about being better citizens” . His perspective aligned with Chief Obasanjo’s, who had earlier downplayed the religious factor in the rebellion
The event also featured remarks from General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the current Chief of Defence Staff, who expressed regret that the government failed to “nip the insurgency in the bud” during its early stages .
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, highlighting the national importance attached to the book launch. Other dignitaries included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and former National Security Adviser, Major General B.M. Monguno (retd.).
“SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum” is structured as a 330-page memoir divided into 14 chapters across three distinct parts . The sections explore: Nigeria’s historical context and the roots of its security challenges, the devastating impact of Boko Haram insurgency and Paradigm shifts necessary to restore peace amid ongoing security threats
Reviewers have described the work as “destined to change the Boko Haram narrative” and providing critical insights into Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges.
The book presentation transcended a typical literary event, evolving into what many attendees might remember as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing security conversation. The frank exchanges between former leaders, military strategists, and religious figures highlighted both the complexity of the Boko Haram insurgency and the urgent need for innovative approaches to national security challenges.
As General Irabor intended, the event succeeded in sparking the kind of reflective dialogue he hopes his book will generate across Nigeria – one that confronts painful truths while collectively seeking pathways to transform national scars into victories of nationhood .
By PRNigeria
