Integrity Matters: Men of Honour in Public Square

The thirst for true role modelling for young Christians at this critical age cannot be overemphasized. Thus, the unique concept in this book, featuring personalities whom the author (and perhaps many people) considers to be worthy of emulation in their Christian conduct is worthy of applause. These include; Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, Mr. Bulus Dogara […]

The thirst for true role modelling for young Christians at this critical age cannot be overemphasized. Thus, the unique concept in this book, featuring personalities whom the author (and perhaps many people) considers to be worthy of emulation in their Christian conduct is worthy of applause. These include; Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, Mr. Bulus Dogara Amishe, Prof. Ishaya Audu, Prof. Adamu Baike, Evang. Paul Gindiri, Dr. David Tor Iordaah, Engr. Ezekiel Izuogu, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Mr. Jonathan Onigbinde, Hon. Justice James O. Ogebe  and Engr. Samuel S.L. Salifu, while contributions came from brethren in the United States such as; Dr. Stephen Dunn, Engr. William Rumberger  and Engr. John Ykema.                         
From the preface, curiosity quickly sets in as to the author’s yardstick for the chosen models. Thus, knowing them is like a voyage of discovery where the reader expects to find treasure in the life accounts of the men so highly esteemed.
The book was published in 2013 by Hesed Books, Jos, Nigeria, divided into 14 chapters and 288 pages. Each chapter is a simple but clear biography/autobiography of individuals as relates to the theme of the work. Thus, the first chapter takes the reader into the life of a renowned General in the person of General Martin Luther Agwai. His exploits in the Nigerian Army and his native community are recounted in a manner that persuades the reader to acknowledge that models of integrity do exist in the military. This was clear in the development in his Christian life at a time when being in the military implied flexibility in morals.
The practice in faith and prayer are evident in the pages as the writer unfolds the life of Bulus Dogara Amishe in the second chapter. However, a flash back in the course of the narration that brings his father into the story to further capture the attention of readers would have been ideal, coupled with a deliberate juxtaposition for justification. His parents losing 11 children in succession is a peculiar tragedy that creates expectations from the only surviving child. Here, the writer did justice to account as the narration progresses. 
The third chapter focuses on the life of late Professor Ishaya Audu. Thus, his life runs through the pages like a history lesson; side by side with historical events such as his becoming the personal physician of the then Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, the coup d’état that led to the Nigerian civil war on   July 6, 1967, his appointment as the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and his sudden deposition fromm that post in 1975. This was a perfect illustration of a trying time for the Audu’s family which ended in triumph.
The fourth chapter begins interestingly like a historical document with the biography of Prof. Adamu Baike. Similar to the account of Bulus Dogara Amishe and Prof. Ishaya Audu, Adamu’s also intimates the reader on the life of his father, Jacob Baike. Because they all had a Muslim background, bringing their fathers into the narration from the beginning becomes justified at this point. These men came to represent voices of peace and integrity in their time. Adamu’s readiness to back down as the VC of Nasarawa State for health reasons is commendable and the direct opposite of what happens today where public office holders prefer to die in their seat of power rather than resign.
The fifth chapter is the autobiography of Dr. Stephen Dunn in far away Indiana USA. This is written with an interesting flow of narrative prowess, showing how Dunn and his wife Karen made their professions as Doctor and Nurse respectively the centre of their Christian ministry together is an example for all couples to follow.
The sixth chapter gives the impression of an intriguing life story waiting to unfold as the author introduces late Evangelist Paul Gindiri as a product of the Usman Danfodio jihad that led to the dispersal of some of the historical Hausa Bakwai of Gobir to the Plateau, hence influencing the nativity of Gindiri. Later, business became an avenue for him to fuel the financial needs of ministry. This brings to mind many believers’ challenge in balancing their job or business with ministry. For Gindiri, business was servant to ministry.     
The seventh chapter revolves around the life of Dr. David Tor Iordaah who was opportuned to have an early Christian background. Born in Benue, his virtues stood out for him when he worked in a bank in Jos. David’s commitment to prayer and service to customers stood him out as an image bearer of God. A typical example was when he refused a gift of N6,000 from a customer which meant a lot of money back then in 1977.
The eight chapter recounts the life experience of Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Nwosu Izuogu who grew up in a polygamous home. A turning point in his life came when he graduated from the university as an electrical engineer and chose to serve as an itinerant evangelist without salary against his passion for engineering research. Later when he delved into politics he stood his ground when he was wooed to compromise in order to ascend the seat of the Imo state Governor. Thus, the writer’s decision to include this individual as a model for today’s Christians is not far-fetched.
The ninth chapter shows accountability in the life of Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade. In the 1980s when he worked with the Cadbury, his boss was held by the police in connection with corruption allegations and Christopher took the matter to the then Attorney general of the Federation (AGF). The AGF’s attestation to Cadbury’s integrity even before the investigation is a clear evidence of integrity doing the bailing instead of bribery.
The tenth chapter unveils the life of Jonathan Onigbinde and his career pursuit. Having a Christian background did little to make him commit to Christ until his business crashed. His experience too, like Gindiri, exposes the reader to the need for balancing business and ministry.
The 11th chapter focuses on Hon. Justice James Ogebe. As a man burdened with the responsibility of upholding the law, he was tested in a land dispute between a wealthy and poor man. Although the poor man was in the right, the case was falling to the favour of the former. James and his colleague disagreed and argued on the verdict. However, James’ argument led to the poor man’s victory in the case. This scenario is common in Nigeria where the poor are most times at the receiving end, but James’ integrity made him uncompromising.    
The 12th  chapter is an autobiography of Engr. William Rumberger. His account reveals a lifestyle of extending love to those who expect it the least. As a worker at Boeing Vertol, Philadelphia in 1958, he and his wife formed a habit of inviting co-workers and international visitors overseas to their home. In essence, William learned to put into practice the Christian walk.
The 13th chapter talks about Engr. Samuel S.L. Salifu, the injustices he faced as a Christian at his work place at the Kaduna Polytechnic and how he trusted in God when the rector delayed his promotion for ten years. He refused advice to report the case to higher authorities and trusted in God for justice. The writer here illustrates the importance of allowing God to lead.
The last chapter shares the autobiography of Engr. John Ykema. His life story covers his childhood, family, church and career. However, although quite revealing, his contribution turns the narration into an exposition that obstructs the initial flow of previous life experiences, challenges and triumphs.
Integrity Matters succeeds in capturing the life experiences of men who were born before Nigeria’s independence with messages of peace, patience and Godliness entrenched in their steps through life. Thus, their common experiences and challenges of latter days would impact today’s Christian leaders and those aspiring to be.