Title: The House in Session: Glimpses from the Second Republic

Author: Abiola Babatope

Publisher: Aike Books, Ibadan

Pages: 181

Price: £10

About the Book

The House in Session has been long overdue in the market. But it could not have come at a more auspicious time than now that a civilian government is once again trying to build democracy in Nigeria after many years of military dictatorship. Abiola Babatope was a member of the House of Representatives (from 1979 through 1983), elected on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by the eminent politician, nationalist and statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo. A geologist by training, the author learnt the political ropes from her husband of many years, Ebenezer Babatope, himself of the Awolowo political school of thought. She reflects in this book her penetrating insight and perspective as a key player in the House, being one of the only three female members in a 450-member Chamber. Her account is detailed, intimate and full of candour. The book is compelling reading for politicians, particularly members of the National Assembly, students of politics, public affairs specialists and the general reader. It is an eye-opener to the goings-on in the House then and perhaps now.

About the Author

Abiola Babatope was a member of the House of Representatives for Mushin Central II from 1979 – 1983. Married to Ebenezer Babatope, the writer, lawyer and politician in 1972, Abiola learnt the ropes in party politics under his tutelage. She has since then been transformed from the quiet unassuming personality into an emboldened champion of community interests. She served in the Mushin Local Government Management Committee in 1975; became an elected councillor in 1976 and was elected into the House of Representatives in 1979.

Fellow Nigerians (Turning Points in the Political History of Nigeria) Awo or Zik: Who Won the 1951 House of War The House in Session: Glimpses from the Second Republic The Kiss of Death: Afenifere and the Infidels The Open Grave: Nadeco and the Struggle for Democracy Newswatch Best The Link With The Past Diplomatic Baggage (Mossad & Nigeria: The Dikko Story) Clapping With One Hand