The Letterman: From Presidents to Soldiers to Nations, By Toyin Falola

By cataloging the letters of a complex man to help readers gain an in-depth understanding of his values, attributes, and belief systems in public service, leadership, and human relations, Mojeed has established his skill and professionalism as one of the most erudite editors in modern Nigerian journalism, particularly with his journalistic reporting and blending of the biographical genre. As a historian, I celebrate his decision and his efforts to produce this historic book.

The second part of The Letterman review focuses on the series of letters written by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to presidents, regional leaders, nations and even to the military. These letters are more critical and were either replies or observations by Obasanjo on the affairs of the nation. Mojeed effectively wraps the letters in chapters 3 to 12 and makes them focus on military professionalism, democratic leadership matters, and attacks on politics under military rule in Nigeria. After that, the book contains letters on political games in Nigeria, focusing on tactical players, and in the last three chapters, the book pays attention to letters that Obasanjo wrote to the international community on Nigeria and business. African. It is important to note that the letters in this part of the journal reveal that Obasanjo's correspondences were important, and they will be appropriately located in the archives of the political history of Nigeria.

Reading these letters curated by Mojeed provides insight into the spirit of Obasanjo as a global leader who educated and warned international and local political leaders. Accordingly, the focus of this review will be on the constant and recurring nature of governance challenges in Nigeria and Africa, historically and currently. Through his presidential letters, Obasanjo pushed the boundaries of individuals seeking to observe and build a new Nigerian nation and a truly prosperous African continent.

Chapters 3-8 of The Letterman accurately and adequately present Obasanjo's courage, patriotic commitment and concept of discipline during the war years as an officer Commanding General (GOC) of the Third Marine Commando. He was keen on ending discouragement among soldiers, which he appropriately covered in his book, My Command. Letters from these chapters were written to the soldiers, concerning their welfare and mismanagement. Through the letters, readers can perceive different shades of the commander. In Warfront Letters, Mojeed captures Obasanjo's letters written to Lt. Col. Ariyo and Lt. Col. Aliyu, in which he calls the latter's letter childish and baseless: "Your assertion that d other brigades are better supported is childish. I don't have a favorite among the brigades and neither do any of my staff officers."

Furthermore, Obasanjo's letters reviewed and demanded no nonsense from his officers. In one of his letters, dated June 26, 1969, he sent a note to Lt. Col. Alani Akinrinade, questioning him for leaving his sector without permission. Interestingly, he titled it "Disciplinary Officers". Obasanjo was detailed, and he wrote with such assertiveness. The last paragraph of the letter captures the tone well: “I will take no less than this. staff was not informed either."

In contrast, the letters in Chapter 4 of The Letterman are more focused on the welfare and well-being of soldiers, especially during war. The letters in this chapter are longer than those on soldier discipline. They are more spontaneous, empathetic and constitute a general call to action in all parts of the country during the war. For example, there is a different version of the commander trying to take care of soldiers' health and monitor their abilities to perform their tasks. Mojeed titled this chapter, "The piercing letters to Gowon". It is important to emphasize that the word "piercing" suggests the depth of emotion, tone and sympathy of the letters. In one of...