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.
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.
However, speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Gowon wondered if the renowned novelist would make money from his intellectual property, saying it had been pirated.
The former Chief of Army Staff spoke in Abuja at the presentation of the Reform of the Copyright System in Nigeria organised by the Nigerian Copyright Commission.
the 78-year-old said he saw hawkers selling copies of the book in Abuja recently.
Gowon said, “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.”
The remark drew laughter from the gathering.
He had earlier described Achebe’s civil war memoir as the most controversial publication on the war.
Gowon, who was the chairman of the event, stressed that no one should be allowed to steal another person’s work, or unduly exploit another person’s sweat.
He said, “The underlying philosophy of copyright protection, as I have come to understand, is the need to adhere to the fundamental rule of natural justice that every person be guaranteed the fruit of his or her labours. The corollary to this axiom is that no one should be allowed to steal another’s work or unduly exploit the sweat of another’s hard labour.”
The former Head of State recounted how his administration masterminded a review of the old copyright law the country inherited from the British colonial masters after independence.
Director General of the NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude, in said the commission decided to reform Nigeria’s copyright system in order to address identified flaws which have inhibited the contribution of the creative industry to national economic growth.
(Punch)
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Its funny how the media made the story sound. It sounded as if he (Achebe) may not make money because the book contains controversial ideas but what Gowon actually said is that the old sage might have been robbed of his interlect.
ReplyDeleteIt is now the Igbo starving an Igbo of survival. What a twist of fate!
ReplyDeleteHe will make so much money from d book if money is his concern. It will soon be like his famous 'Things fall apart'. Everything in Nigeria is being pirated, ie if u truly saw a pirated copy; that does nt mean he will nt make his money no matter hw d book is critisized. Meanwhile, a person of his status is not particular abt d money bt d name and impact he makes in d society. U can see hw everybody is reacting to d book. 'Up Achebe'
ReplyDeleteIs very unfortunate for Gowon. Achebe does not need the money from the new book,to make him rich, He is already a wealthy man. Remember he rejected an offer of millions from %0Cent for things fall apart to be used for a film. What is important is that Achebe told the truth and what ever anybody says afterwards does not matter. The evil Gowon did during the CIVIL WAR will continue to live after him.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this book is actually written to generate money. If not for the piracy law, every home needs to have this book. If you don't know your past, you cannot face the challenges of tomorrow.
ReplyDelete@ Chyk, Anonymous 9:08 & 10:49am, you all completely went of the track! Your line of thoughts is exactly the opposite of what Mr. Gowon is say. Let us have less of this parochial mind set. Pls read the news report again and stop this famed Igbo clanishness. @Safari is spot on. He stole my thunder and I say no more. Perhaps I should end with the Yoruba saying that "Gambari pa Fulani....." I hope I got it right
ReplyDeleteAchebe is a hero. The sad memories of civil war and starvation of the defunct biafra as a potent instrument to drive home the unity of the country which of course was tantamount to ethnic cleansing/genocide plot is without doubt, the reason why Achebe is too happy Nigeria. Remember he has rejected several awards from FG and has continued to accept from other countries including Man booker Int'l award he recevd from London in 2008
ReplyDeleteOhh..well that's very sad for him..
ReplyDeleteIt is quite unfortunate that Gowon should try to divert the real issue, instead of apologising for his role in the genocide against the Igbo race
ReplyDeletemr gowom why are u so concern about this book,this showed how u treated d igbo so bad since d production of this book u have b ur spirit has b to rest u talk both d once d ask u and d once d dt ask u.achebe has not respounds to u cant u see ur fooling ur self around.ther is one song that said u can not hide it from GOD, i belve why u r worried is bcos d song is now say u can not hide it from man achebe has expose u acept it or not u no try at all.
ReplyDeletemr gowom why are u so concern about this book,this showed how u treated d igbo so bad since d production of this book u have b ur spirit has b to rest u talk both d once d ask u and d once d dt ask u.achebe has not respounds to u cant u see ur fooling ur self around.ther is one song that said u can not hide it from GOD, i belve why u r worried is bcos d song is now say u can not hide it from man achebe has expose u acept it or not u no try at all.
ReplyDelete