Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has doubted Prof. Chinua Achebe’s chances of making money from his new book, There was a country.
Speaking at a public function in Abuja on Thursday, Gowon wondered if the renowned novelist would make money from his controversial book, causing many people in the audience to laugh out loud.
The 78-year-old former leader said he saw hawkers selling copies of the book in Abuja recently. “When I was coming to the hotel yesterday (Wednesday) I saw people selling copies of Achebe’s book, you know the one I am talking about.
“I don’t know if the chap knew I was the one inside the car - he wanted to get my attention. I said to myself, ‘so this book has already been pirated and is being sold in the streets?’ I don’t know if Achebe will be getting any penny from that book,” he said.
The remark drew laughter from the gathering who obviously knew what he was up to. Gowon had earlier described Achebe’s civil war memoir as the most controversial publication on the war.
Recalled that Achebe in the book containing his civil war memoir, accused the Federal Government under Gowon and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then Minister of Finance, of using hunger as a weapon of war against the Igbo.
“I don’t know if the chap knew I was the one inside the car - he wanted to get my attention. I said to myself, ‘so this book has already been pirated and is being sold in the streets?’ I don’t know if Achebe will be getting any penny from that book,” he said.
The remark drew laughter from the gathering who obviously knew what he was up to. Gowon had earlier described Achebe’s civil war memoir as the most controversial publication on the war.
Recalled that Achebe in the book containing his civil war memoir, accused the Federal Government under Gowon and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then Minister of Finance, of using hunger as a weapon of war against the Igbo.
It is Achebe's brothers that are pirating the book, thats what they are good for....who will even buy the book? NASIR
ReplyDeleteNasir,i dont blame u because your tribe is so backwards and lazy.Go and verify CHINUA'S track record.The man actually hates money and have many thanks rejected all the money offered him by many Nigerian HEAD OF STATES in the past including the current Govt..Secondly,unfortunately for people like u he makes good money as a REAL Prof in an AMERICAN university.Lastly,go to Amazon.com a US based online store the book is already a best seller with a waiting list.This why we have failed as a Nation,everybody just talks without stats including Mr Gowon and cows like u follow.Clueless idiots.
Deleteu said it all God has arrest his intrest, he wrote the book to make money b4 not to tell the truth, as a igbo man what did u expect, igbo do anything 4 money imagine his age writing rubish to make money he cud hav giv it out 4 free then we blv abt wht his talking abt and how pain its the issue to him
ReplyDelete{easy}
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
DeleteI doubt if u are ok!U must be out of your mind to attack a hard working tribe.Remove what the Igbos contribute to the economy and see if people like u wont stave to death.Lazy old fool!U think that is oil money that sustains u bastaard.
The facts speak for itself as well enunciated by Achebe himself In d book. I have read d book in its entirety and I urge ppl to do so!
ReplyDeleteThis book is not abt Awo,it is abt truth that will set us free.
If Gowon wats to set d facts straiGht,he should write his own account and set the facts he disputes clearer.
Gowon and Awo sympathies should go and hang themselves, like they say truth is bitter. They should embrace the truth apologise and move ahead. Attacking Achebe and his book make's him more popular and the urge to read this book is high. We live in a cult country where truth is being Hinden so as not to offend none. Even when Awo acknowledged his role during this war, some idiots are out there saying n writing nonsense about this already sold out book. They should be so ashamed of theirselves. Till date blacks are fighting the evil of slavery and racism, so will the igbo's unborn be fighting the injustice done to their generation through Awo's betrayal, €20 policy n food slavery
ReplyDeleteAchebe is rich whether he makes money or not, he is fine. He is not writing for more money rather to inform or educate the world on what happened during the Nigeria civil war.
ReplyDeleteNasir and people like u,write out of ignorance.Unfortunately,that is why we are stuck as a Nation. What has his book got to do with the Igbo tribe?A single man's opinion?That has lived in the US for over 25 years.It shows u guys are poverty ridden,use your time and thoughts wisely.The book is already a best seller and being sold in the international market.Even if no one in Nigeria buys it,it doesnt change that buyers are on waiting list all over the world to buy it.I urge you all to embrace peace or just split as a Nation.
ReplyDeleteKofi
NY,USA
Gowon is a compound MUMU man,he has nothing to say rather than ask such a rhetorical question,a book of that magnitude of which people are scampering to get a copy.The Mumu Hausa puppet (GOWON)is asking if it will sale,that book alone will generate more revenue to Achebe more than the nineteen state of the North to Nigeria economy,Vampires.
ReplyDeleteAchebe is a man of the people whether gowon likes it or not.The reason why gowon isnt happy with this book is because it brings to light the many untold evils gowon comitted against the Igbo people.
ReplyDeleteMr Gowon is one mile to ICJ,and that is where he will crack his joke to the awaiting Judges. Hahahahahahahaha.You do not know that GOD kept you alive to pay for your sins.The remnant/survivors of the massacred Biafrans including those in the grave will very soon laugh..jack..jack..jack jajajajaja!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIgboezue,Dublin - Ireland
MR GOWON, AN ILLITERATE GENERAL, BE IT KNOWN TO U THAT THE GREAT PROF. WROTE THE BOOK NOT FOR FINANCIAL GAIN BUT TO UNCOVER THE HIDDEN TRUTH.
ReplyDeleteU ARE NOT FAR FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT OF JUSTICE.