The management of the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Research and Historical Documentation Centre, popularly known as Arewa House, Kaduna, has withdrawn its approval for the presentation of a book critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The management, which operates under ABU, Zaria, cited operational considerations for the withdrawal of the approval previously granted to the organisers.
In a letter addressed to the author of the book and Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training, CEDDERT, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, the management said the facility would no longer be available due to “post-examination inspection, maintenance and general preparations following an ongoing examination exercise”.
The letter, dated October 8 and signed by Dalhatu Mahmoud, Administrative Secretary, on behalf of the Director, Professor Aliyu Yahaya, stated that the earlier approval for the use of the facility was no longer valid.
“The Management acknowledges the preparations your organisation may have made towards the proposed event and regrets any inconvenience this development may cause,” the letter stated.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday following receipt of the cancellation letter, Mr Mohammed alleged that the decision was an attempt to frustrate the book presentation and restrict public discussion of the Tinubu administration’s policies.
He said the organisers had anticipated possible challenges after invitations to the event were sent out, adding that some people had expressed fears that efforts might be made to stop the presentation.
The CEDDERT executive director further alleged that attempts to secure an alternative venue in Kaduna had been unsuccessful, claiming that some hotels approached by the organisers said they had been warned against accommodating the event.
He said the organisers had consequently decided to relocate the presentation to Abuja, where a new venue and date would be announced after the necessary arrangements had been concluded.
The book, titled Tinubu: From Renewed Hope to Despair: A Critical Examination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government, examines the administration’s policies and their implications for Nigeria’s economy, security, national unity and democratic development.
Mr Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as pressure on ABU to withdraw approval for the use of Arewa House, arguing that academic and research institutions should promote intellectual freedom and open debate.
“A university of ABU’s standing should be a defender of intellectual freedom, independent inquiry and open debate,” he said.
He maintained that the book was intended to contribute to public understanding of the administration’s performance and stimulate discussion about its policies.
According to him, those who disagree with the book’s findings should challenge them with evidence and reasoned arguments rather than attempt to prevent its presentation.
“If those in power disagree with our analysis or conclusions, they are free to challenge them with evidence, reasoned arguments and alternative explanations,” he said.
Mr Mohammed added that winning an election did not give public officeholders the right to silence criticism, stressing that elected leaders had a responsibility to account for their policies and decisions.
The book presentation was initially scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at Arewa House in Kaduna.