MAGNUS ONYIBE ‘LEADING FROM THE STREET’ STILL ON MY MIND
Mr. Magnus Onyibe is a public intellectual at least, as alluded to by Dr. Rueben Abati who was given the task of making some remarks during the last launch of his book, ‘Leading from the Street.’ The way Onyibe sold this particular book, you will think it was his first book. I tell you, from radio chats, radio jingles, letters, calls, broadcasts, press releases etc. Onyibe did not leave any stone unturned in ensuring a very successful book launch. To God be the glory, the hall was filled to the brim. From former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to His Excellencies, Chief James Ibori, Segun Osoba, Donald Duke up to the glamorous icons of our screen, Sienne Allwell Brown and Ruth Benamaisia were all in attendance. He capped it for me by bringing out Patrick Oke of the now-rested Newsline as anchor. If I talk now, Onyibe will vex. I had written here last week that I thought the book was a “lazy approach towards public commentary,” seeing that he had compiled his old articles into book form and got “yesterday’s” people to review it chapter by chapter, giving the book a dusty old feel. I had said that I would have loved a fresh outlook towards the book. A contemporary minute-by-minute look at the contending issues in modern-day Nigeria while getting fresher minds to look at the issues as against getting people of the 70s to write. I would have preferred historians to write this kind of book instead of Onyibe who I really feel is one of the most cerebral public commentators you will find. Anyways, as I walked into the hall, Onyibe jumped at me: “Did you hear what Prof. Osaghae said?” Prof. Osaghae is the DG at the NIIA
and my former lecturer at the University of Ibadan who gave a brilliant review of the book… “Oh sorry, I missed it, I was in the toilet sir,” I replied. I, however, listened to Dr Abati who took a break from causing commotion on national TV to come to the book launch. Dr Abati was brilliant in his review and engaging in the way he took on some issues like cyberbullying amongst others. Anyways, as I walked into the hall, I felt myself transported to the ‘80s. My people, it was as if I was on the set of Newsline or some very old NTA current affairs programme. They were all there o, people of the past. From their clothes to the way they sat, and the way they spoke, it was truly a blast from the past and I enjoyed myself. Well done my brother, I will send my objective review of the book when I am safely out of the country, just in case you have a tiny urge to give me a knock after reading it. Don’t mind me jare, my brother. Kai. Shout out to the ever-beautiful Mrs. Onyibe. Long time.