A Review By Rita Oyiboka
Danish theologian, philosopher, and religious author, Søren Kierkegaard once pondered, “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.” Venturing into the pages of “From My Corner,” the autobiography of Clement T. Ofuani, engulfs one with a vivid embodiment of this philosophical truth.
From his modest origins in Ubulu-Okiti, a largely agrarian community in Aniocha South local government area of Delta State to the influential corridors of the Presidential Villa, Ofuani’s narrative mirrors the relentless march of time, offering readers an intimate gaze into the chronicle of a man whose life echoes the harmonies of principles, cultural ties, and the ever-evolving dance between the political and the personal.
Spanning 636 pages and divided into 19 chapters, this book is crafted in a clear, fluid language accessible to everyone. It commences with the story of Clement Ofuani’s modest origins, unfolding his educational trajectory culminating in his early qualification as a chartered accountant for a prominent global accounting firm.
The foreword to the book by environmentalist icon, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, provides a stirring tribute to Ofuani’s contributions as a professional and technocrat in the public service, serving as a prelude to an enthralling delve into his extraordinary journey.
In the initial chapter, Ofuani’s narrative unveils as a compelling tale. It takes readers on a journey through his early life, marked by the Nigerian Civil War, one of his earliest memories as a boy of less than six.
In his child’s eye, he describes the war as a carnival, and the subsequent challenges faced by his family within the narrow boundaries of his childhood. The vivid descriptions of war experiences, family dynamics, and struggles, and the cultural backdrop provide a rich portrayal that immerses the reader into the author’s world, offering a glimpse into the complexities of growing up in the post-war era in Nigeria.
The preceding chapter of the book gives an account of his university days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he gained a degree in Accounting, but the meat of the tale lies in his university experiences, the friendships formed, challenges during the ASUU strike, and the subsequent transition to a professional life at Deloitte Adetona & Co.
The recounting of the ASUU strike reflects the broader challenges faced by Nigerian undergraduates during that era and even in the present one, humorously capturing the notion that it took X+Y years to graduate, where X is the official course duration, and Y represents disruptions like strikes. The personal perspective of graduating without significant interruptions adds a unique touch.
The autobiography seamlessly discusses the political climate of the time, including the NPN and UPN rivalry, the overthrow of President Shagari, and the emergence of Major General Babaginda; this provides a historical backdrop.
Likewise, the smooth transition into his professional journey at Deloitte, highlighting the challenges of balancing convenience with a conducive study environment and financial independence, enhances the authenticity of the work, successfully blending personal experiences with broader societal experiences and political contexts, creating a well-rounded and compelling portrayal.
The exploration of work and family responsibility presents a heartfelt and intricate story. The author’s commitment to caring for his late brother’s son is highlighted. The introduction of Rosemary (who would later become his wife) adds a romantic dimension to the autobiography. The author vividly describes Rosemary’s maturity and caring qualities. The symbolic gesture of gifting her a white rose becomes hindsight, foreshadowing their future together.
The book goes on to cover his years in the public sector in Delta State, first as Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, as the pioneer Commissioner for Economic Planning and then as Economic Adviser to the State Governor exploring his political evolution, economic insights, and participation in pivotal events in Nigeria.
The thorough depiction of the state’s fiscal struggles in the Abacha era, along with the author’s advisory role in addressing Delta State and Ministry of Finance challenges, underscores the practical hurdles faced in public service. The storyline undergoes an interesting shift during the transition from the Abacha dictatorship to civilian rule under General Abdulsalami Abubakar. The author’s limited interest in active political participation is contrasted with a strong admiration for Chief Bola Ige and sympathy for the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Ofuani’s ability to blend complex economic discussions with real-life anecdotes creates a compelling narrative that appeals to readers interested in politics, economics, and the Nigerian socio-political landscape.
In Chapter 13, the book guides the reader through the pivotal moment in the author’s career, transitioning from advisory roles to the formal appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President. The chronological progression, supported by specific dates and events, contributes to the coherence of the narrative. The narrative is rich in details, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of political appointments and relationships within the corridors of power.
Notable in this work is the exploration of the longstanding Niger Delta issue, skillfully weaving historical roots with contemporary challenges. The strength of this exploration lies in the detailed examination of the Niger Delta struggles, encompassing environmental degradation, economic imbalances, and the rise of militancy.
The author effectively conveys the ripple effects of constitutional changes, especially the military’s imposition of a centralized system, leading to economic disparity and social unrest.
The narrative is enriched with a nuanced discussion of the structural defects in the 1999 Constitution, hindering the resolution of the underlying issues in the Niger Delta, appropriately analyzing the fragile balance between the Niger Delta’s aspirations and the nation’s economic stability.
“From My Corner” depicts the author’s distinctive approach to declaring his gubernatorial ambition. Instead of the conventional mammoth crowd, he chose a dignified conference hall setting. The content expertly combines personal reflections with the complex political landscape, giving readers an insider’s view of the challenges and financial intricacies associated with seeking political office.
Appropriately, the crowning moment of this book is reserved for the very end in the second appendix of the work, titled ‘I aspire to be your humble servant,’ where the author articulates a vision for transformative leadership, emphasizing the necessity for a paradigm shift in government.
The author adeptly connects with the aspirations of the people, acknowledging the shared desires for fairness, safety, quality education, and accessible healthcare. The articulation of a vision of a society that rewards talent, hard work, and enterprise resonates with the reader, portraying a compelling “Nigerian Dream.”
In conclusion, ‘From My Corner’ stands not just as a memoir but as a comprehensive exploration of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape through the eyes of Clement T. Ofuani. Through its meticulous detailing of personal, professional, and political facets, the autobiography presents a narrative that extends beyond individual experiences to capture the broader essence of a nation in transition.
As the reader traverses the pages of this 636-page opus, they are not merely witnessing one man’s journey; they are embarking on a journey through time, socio-economic changes, and political evolutions. From the war-torn days of childhood to the intricacies of advising the President, Ofuani’s story becomes a microcosm reflecting Nigeria’s challenges, triumphs, and the perpetual quest for transformative leadership.
Undoubtedly a remarkable book, it remains virtually unmarred by any significant shortcomings. While there are minor concerns such as detail overload and occasional tense inconsistencies, these pale in comparison to the book’s strengths. It offers a captivating and insightful narrative of Ofuani’s journey and impact, making it suitable for a diverse readership. Its brilliance lies not only in the clarity of thought and expression but also in the profound depth of analysis.
In a world where understanding the past is often the key to navigating the future, ‘From My Corner’ leaves an indelible mark. Clement T. Ofuani’s autobiography is a captivating exploration that surpasses individual memoirs, evolving into a mirror that reflects the collective aspirations, challenges, and possibilities of a nation on its journey forward.