Prominent individuals gathered in a notable event as President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by various influential figures, attended the public launch of “Brutally Frank,” the autobiography of Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman.
President Tinubu, the esteemed guest of honor, was represented at the event by George Akume, the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF). The role of chairman for the occasion was held by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
The book presentation attracted a host of notable personalities, including Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who acted as the chief launcher. Other distinguished attendees included Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Maryam Abacha, the wife of the late former Head of State, and several traditional rulers, among them the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and Attah Igala, Àtá Matthew Opaluwa, among others.
Also in attendance were governors from Edo, Delta, Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states.
Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who served as the Head of State during Chief Clark’s tenure as the federal commissioner for information and foreign affairs, expressed that he never encountered any disagreements with the author. Gowon noted that their interactions were respectful and cooperative, and while differences of opinion existed, Chief Clark worked ardently to articulate his perspectives.
Gowon commended the autobiography, “Brutally Frank,” as an insightful record of events during his administration. He emphasized Chief Clark’s valuable role in building unity within Nigeria and the West African subregion, particularly in the establishment of ECOWAS. He expressed hope that the younger generation would benefit from the book’s accounts, contributing to their understanding of Nigeria’s history and the aspirations of peace, unity, and progress shared by the country’s leaders.
