It was indeed an academic environment on Thursday 24th June 2021, as Symposium 1 Hall, Merit House, Maitama District, Abuja, hosted professionals from various works of life, who came to witness and celebrate Dr. Elvis C. Enyioko, on the public presentation of his new book: THE SINGULARITY – OBASANJO’S 3RD TERM, THE TRANSCORP PHENOMENON & DEEP POLITICAL DISCOURSE.
Chaired by Distinguished Senator Ibrahim Mantu, CFR, who was the Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Senate (1999 – 2007), the era the circumstances and activities chronicled in the book played out; while H. E. Col. Paul Omeruo (Rtd), former Military Administrator, Kogi State (1993 – 1996), was the Chief Guest of Honour. Both distinguished personalities extolled the value and importance of the book, as a historical record and account of the events that transpired, at a time of great uncertainty and political upheaval in Nigeria.
With astonishing review of the book, Dr Monday Ekpe, a Media Practitioner, Writer, Public Speaker and Lecturer, University of Abuja, opened his review with the three reasons he accepted the role: as “First, the author is well known to me as someone who is focused, passionate and thorough. Second, even though this book is largely set in the Nigeria of 2006, its thematic immediacy or relevance is clearly not in doubt. And, Third, having spent over three decades working in the media and also now teaching same, I humbly say that I am very much at home with the contents”.
Continuing, Dr. Ekpe said, “The core strengths of this treatise include adequate illustrations from the various parts of the country, spotlight on equally nationally spread personalities, painstakingly researched facts, appropriately acknowledged referencing, and well blended and applied quotes. Above all, this book is written in liquid prose instead of the rigid style that subject matters of this nature are often presented in. All these attributes make The Singularity Clause a compelling read. A fast reader can actually be through with the 105-page publication in one or two hours. In a world that is increasingly a victim of self-inflicted rush, the brevity and compact expressiveness demonstrated here are, in my opinion, among its key selling points.
My little quarrel with this book borders on the structure. Two quick examples will suffice. One, I do not see the need to further break this modest volume into three books. If the author had allowed the work to flow as a long essay, the purpose would still have been accomplished. This particular exercise is, therefore, at best, redundant. Two, after earning a place on the front cover, ‘The Transcorp Phenomenon’ is brutally buried in Chapter Five of Book Two and denied a well-deserved prominence. That is unfair.”
In closing his review, Dr. Ekpe said “I must quickly add that none of these perceived flaws robs The Singularity Clause of its importance and pertinence. At a time when centrifugal forces are on the loose in our beloved country, nationalist efforts like this one should be appreciated and promoted.
“The author is precise about his mission as declared in the Introduction: “The Singularity Clause is a compass to help politicians navigate through the murky waters of Nigerian politics. It is a self-help manual that will arm its readers with the requisite theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to compete robustly”.
Delivering his verdict on his book review, Dr. Monday Ekpe said “I believe he has kept faith with that goal.”
Other invited guests, took time in paying glowing tribute to the author and his painstaking efforts at writing an epochal book that etched history with facts in the sands of time, and lay lasting legacy for political leaders and students of history to make reference to.
The author, Dr. Elvis C. Enyioko, in his Vote of Thanks, presented the circumstances that motivated him in writing the book, and to the surprise of guests, he said that he completed writing the book in 2006, published it in 2018 and presented publicly in 2021. A space of a-decade-and-half (15 years), from book completion to launch. He conveyed his family’s appreciation to all that attended.
