Books by Awo
 |
I have written this book for two reasons. Firstly, I am not sure if I shall be in a position to participate in the deliberations of the proposed constituent assembly, or to address public gatherings with a view to educating our people on the issues involved, before a referendum is conducted on a new constitution. Having played a leading role in the work of constitution making in Nigeria since 1949, I feel strongly that I owe it as a duty to our people to avail them of the benefit of my views. Secondly, the rationale of the suspended constitution has been so overlaid with misconception and distortion that a comprehensive restatement of the case for and against federalism or unitarianism, appears to me to be called for.
I would like to say that all the proposals in this book have been made within the framework of the suspended constitution.
|
I have, therefore, left untouched provisions of that constitution with which I am in agreement, or on which I do not feel strongly one way or the other. I must add, however, that it is not unlikely that some offensive provisions have escaped my notice.
I sincerely hope that those who read the views and proposals expressed and made in this book will consider and assess them with the same constructive objectivity as I have tried to adopt in presenting them.
The map of proposed States was drawn by my Private Secretary, Mr. Biodun Falade, who also supervised the typing of the manuscript. I am very grateful to him.
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO
CELL D UP 2,
CALABAR PRISON
12 June 1966 |
 |
Wherever Chief Awolowo goes, his supporters greet him with shouts of 'Awo'-hence the title of his autobiography. These supporters and the many others, who regard him as the most constructive political thinker in West Africa , will welcome the publication of this book as an event of great importance.
Chief Awolowo was born in 1909 in a small Nigerian town, in a society still living in the traditional way, though already partly Christian. His description of his early years is a picture of the old way of life giving place to the new-a piece of African social history. After early misfortunes, and a long and heroic struggle to educate himself, he went to Britain in middle life, took degrees at London University , and returned to Nigeria to become a highly successful barrister. Entering political life, he became leader of the Action Group Party and then premier of the Western Region. His period of office revealed his gifts of energy and foresight, and the Region prospered greatly under him.
|
Throughout his life his political views have matured, and they are fully developed in the later chapters of the book. There is a most interesting and acute account the last phase of British rule and the constitutional changes in Nigeria . Chief Awolowo is a convinced federalist, and he speaks with the authority of a man, who has held high office of the development and future of Nigeria .
So this book, published in the year of Independence, is important to all Nigerians and Africans generally, who can now read the published ideas on politics of a great African, and to the Westerner impressed by the growing importance of Africa, the emergence of African political life and ideas, and the promising future of the new free African nations. |
 |
VOICE OF COURAGE is the second volume of my trilogy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo's collected speeches. Awolowo is a man who is not only firm, bold and daring but one who has the courage to withstand persecution with saintly fortitude and strength. During the darkest and most dreadful period of our history Awolowo was the only leader who raised a voice for the nation.
At all times, on all issues and in all circumstances whatsoever, Awolowo said what he believed needed to be said. He spoke out, loudly, clearly, constantly and consistently. His was the only VOICE OF COURAGE which the nation heard. "Words do not break bones"; but Chief Awolowo's broke the stone walls and shattered the iron gates of military dictatorship in Nigeria and compelled the return of the country to democracy.
Olaiya Fagbamigbe. |
|
