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Book review: “Who Will Build the Nation?” by Kofi Amofa

“Who Will Build the Nation?” focuses on actors in the media and political spaceThe story is set in a city where political violence threatens its stability

“In whatever field of endeavour, in whatever role or capacity, as responsible citizens, you must always consider; will my politics build the nation or destroy it? Will my religion build the nation or destroy it? Will my occupation build the nation or destroy it?

This inspiring quotation begins the author’s quest to find answers to the thought-provoking question, “Who will build the nation?”

Who Will Build the Nation? focuses on key players in the media and politics. The story is set in the city of Masem, where political violence threatens the stability of nationhood. The narrative craftily examines the invasion of intemperate language, dishonesty and violence in political competitions in Masem and how this affects nation-building.

The book of 21 chapters has intriguing characters who epitomise some of the main themes that drive the story. The first chapter introduces the protagonist, Susubribi, a passionate nation-builder who embarks on a campaign to put an end to the growing culture of debilitating intolerance, bitter rivalry and violent extremism in Masem politics.

He charges, “Good citizens desire to live in a peaceful and stable society where the rule of law is supreme. They passionately conduct their affairs in a manner that promotes goodwill, patriotism, unity and a harmonious society. They are not cynical bystanders who look on and complain but ardent optimists who are motivated by what is possible.”

However, Susubribi is fiercely resisted by Radicus, a notorious maverick whose radical views present challenges to Masem’s progress.

No friends on the other side

In chapter three, Susubribi disagrees with Radicus during a leadership meeting and incurs his wrath. Radicus tells the gathering, “… tit for tat is fair play … there are no friends on the other side of the divide!” But Susubribi debunks this view and asserts, Our opponents are compatriots and more importantly, fellow humans who deserve our love and respect, not hate and contempt …

Radicus endorses violence and encourages the use of brute force to intimidate opponents but Susubribi denounces this approach and maintains, “It’s a new day, it’s a new dawn, and the party is no more a comfortable nest for predatory political birds … we must build the nation and not destroy it.” This angers Radicus, who storms out of the meeting and threatens, “We shall see.”

His anger impels him to mastermind a protest that will tragically cost the lives of his wife and children. He meets Propgantus, a sleazy politician who has mastered dirty propaganda, rancour, insults and hate-mongering. They quickly devise a plan to ensure that Susubribi is no more the communications manager of the IP (Integrity Party). Their allies in the media, especially Luscano, “a loose cannon in Masem media”, make it easy for them to smear hard-earned reputations of individuals and institutions.

In chapter seven of the book, the Sage of Masem begins a series of public lectures at “Reasoning Hills” and charges members of the media and politics to be responsible communicators. He says:

… Sometimes, in our hurry to break the news, we break hearts,
Sometimes, in our zeal to gain considerable attention or traction,
we cause irreparable destruction,
Comrades of media and politics, you owe a duty to society,
What you say, what you write, shall not escape the scrutiny of posterity,
Fan not the sentiments that divide us and fray not the bonds that bind us,
or else, we will fall apart!
Build your nation but don’t destroy it,
The clock is ticking, duty is calling, generations are expecting,
Who will build the nation?

xxxxx

Chapter 13 throws the spotlight on a charlatan in Masem who hides behind religion to perpetuate fraud and numerous vices. Holisurf continues to agitate the minds of the people of Masem with questionable claims: “He harps on superstition to hold the minds of many followers in perpetual allegiance.” Holisurf fights the Community Council and tags them as “spiritual enemies” when he is told to reduce the excessive noise from his services. He refuses to heed the orders and threatens, nobody messes with…the servant of God”.

In chapter 15 Mongris, who is indiscreet but claims to be a citizen journalist, rushes to the Town Square to stoke flames of rumour and hearsay when he hears of Susubribi’s arrest. Being an active agent of the social media menace, Mongris shares information without considering the harmful implications. This lands him in trouble as someone threatens to show him where power lies.

In the concluding chapter, Radicus faces trial and eventually has a prison sentence slapped on him. “The world does not birth problems for humanity; it is humans who create them, the Judge tells him. The turn of events sobers Radicus as he laments, “I was swallowed up in fetish anger, but when the dust settled on the steam of my frenzied emotions, I realised that I have lost much more than what I sought to gain. Will a man win with hate or gain through violence? No! Hate is a decoy that entraps the hearts of men to plot their own downfall. Violence does not build a nation, it ruins it. Hate does not unite for good; it destroys …

Through political satire, the author finds a subtle way to ridicule the political vice and folly of leading players in the media and politics. He shares valuable information aimed at promoting integrity in public life, decency in public discourse and national cohesion.

The author (Mordechai Kofi Amofa) is a change advocate with a strategic focus on human solidarity and social harmony.

Who Will Build the Nation? will be launched soon.

The author can be contacted via email (sirmordechai613@gmail.com) or telephone (00 233 (0)24 265 2082).

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