by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The planned public presentation of a critical book on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, titled, ‘Tinubu: From Renewed Hope to Despair: A Critical Examination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government,’ has suffered a setback after the management of Arewa House, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna, cancelled its hall booking.
In a press statement weekend, signed by its Executive Director, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, the organisers said they received a letter from Arewa House on Saturday cancelling the booking for the presentation.
The organisers said they were not entirely surprised by the development, adding that from the moment invitations were sent out, many people expressed fears that attempts would be made to prevent the event from taking place.
“Given what we regard as the increasingly-intolerant disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some governors and their political loyalists, these fears were not without foundation. They appear increasingly unwilling to tolerate dissenting opinions and independent scrutiny,” the statement said.
The group alleged that, rather than engaging critics with facts and defend their records, those in power appear more concerned with controlling public discourse and protecting their political interests.
“Any attempt to restrict critical expression raises serious questions about the commitment of those responsible to democratic principles. Those fears have now become a reality,” it stated.
According to the statement, in anticipating the possibility of a cancellation, efforts were made to secure an alternative venue in Kaduna, but every hotel approached claimed they had been warned not to accommodate the event.
“If these reports are accurate, they point to a disturbing attempt to deny citizens their right to assemble, exchange ideas and critically examine the conduct of those entrusted with public office,” the organisers said.
Consequently, the group said it is relocating the book presentation to Abuja, although, it expressed concern that further attempts may be made to frustrate the event, including through the involvement of security agencies.
The organisers described the reported pressure on Ahmadu Bello University to withdraw the use of Arewa House as particularly troubling, saying a university of ABU’s standing should be a defender of intellectual freedom, independent inquiry and open debate.
“A university should provide space for the examination of public affairs, including critical assessments of government policies and the conduct of political leaders.
“It should not become an instrument for suppressing opinions that those in power find inconvenient. Such conduct would be inconsistent with the traditions and intellectual responsibilities of a university,” the statement added.
The group stressed that there is nothing in the book that is not already in the public domain, noting that it examines the record of the Tinubu administration, interrogates its policies and assesses their implications for Nigeria’s economy, security, national unity and democratic development.
Its purpose, it said, is to contribute to public understanding and stimulate informed debate, which are legitimate and necessary activities in any democracy.
“If those in power disagree with our analysis or conclusions, they are free to challenge them with evidence, reasoned arguments and alternative explanations. They may publish their own assessments, organise public discussions or respond directly to the issues raised in the book.
“What they should not do is seek to prevent the public from hearing arguments they dislike. The proper response to criticism is engagement, not suppression,” the statement said.
The organisers argued that attempts to prevent a book presentation do not answer the questions raised in the book, nor do they alleviate economic hardship, resolve the country’s security crisis or restore public confidence in government, but rather risks deepening concerns about political intolerance, accountability and the shrinking space for democratic debate.
“We consider it particularly ironic that a book examining the performance of an elected government should encounter obstacles to its public presentation. Elections confer the authority to govern; they do not confer the right to silence criticism. Public office carries an obligation to account for decisions, policies and outcomes,” it said.
“We remain resolute in our determination to present this book. No government, governor or public institution should be allowed to turn the exercise of intellectual freedom into an act of defiance merely because the conclusions expressed are politically inconvenient.
“The right to question authority is not a privilege granted by those in power; it is an essential feature of democratic society,” the statement added.
The group said it shall proceed with the presentation in Abuja, and will announce the new venue and date as soon as necessary arrangements are concluded.