Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar at the launch of the book, Gwandu Emirate: The Domain of Abdullahi Fodio since 1805 extolled the contributions of Sheik Abdullahi Fodio to Gwandu Emirate. According to him, Abdullahi Dan Fodio was a great intellectual , a general in the Jihad campaigns and a reputed Statesman of exemplary character. The book launch was held on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
While delivering his speech as the Chief launcher , Atiku said:” I consider this event very significant and special in many respects. For instance, this is the first time that a comprehensive history of Gwandu Emirate, established in 1805, is produced. As we all know, the story of Gwandu Emirate is inseparable from the life history of its founding leader, Sheik Abdullahi Fodio. Similarly, a history of the Sokoto Caliphate, from any perspective, cannot be complete without due acknowledgement of the multiple roles played by Abdullahi Fodio. He was a great intellectual, a general in the jihad campaigns, an administrator whose objective was to establish equity and social justice among people, and a reputed statesman of exemplary character.”
He revealed the intricate themes covered in the book saying though the book was written in the 19th Century, it is still relevant
“The book deals with issues relating to governance, exemplary character by leaders, organization of State, justice, revenue and expenditure. Other topics include the roles of scholars in society, renewal, the practice of declaring other Muslims as unbelievers (or takfir in Arabic), jihad, lawful income, ostentation, indolence, and the proper observance of the provisions of Shari’a in conducting public affairs. I can say with conviction that this book is as relevant to the contemporary world as that in which it was conceived and written in the 19th Century.”
In his closing remarks, he expressed his gratitude to the organizers for inviting him and also emphasized on the relevance of the book to the contemporary age
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event, the Gwandu Emirate Development Association, but especially the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, His Royal Highness, Maj. General (Dr) Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, CFR, for finding me a worthy son of the Emirate to be associated with this important occasion. I believe that this book, Gwandu Emirate: the Domain of Abdullahi Fodio, since 1805, will be relevant to our students and teachers of History, Political Science, Administration, Sociology, the Military, the Judiciary and all those who are interested in political developments and the pursuit of scholarship. At this point, I am proud to present this important book that systematically documents the history of Gwandu Emirate since the capture of Birnin Kebbi by the jihad forces on Saturday, 12th Muharram 1220, equivalent to 13th April 1805, and recommend it to all our institutions of higher learning and the general public.”