This is a captivating chronicle of the goings on at the centre of
state power as told by an insider. It captures the intrigues at the presidency,
specifically associated with the author’s time serving retired President Rupiah
Banda of Zambia.
The book tells of President Banda’s ascendancy to the presidency
following the death of Levi Mwanawasa. Telling it as it was, Jere paints well
the roles of a number of players in supporting the president’s quest to meet
his mandate to the Zambian people. This
is a first-hand account of the operations of the presidency as well as the
challenges (and later failure) by Banda to secure a second term of office. Jere offers insights into the goings on in
the then ruling party, the president’s own beliefs and approach to politics,
and how the opposition took advantage of these to defeat an otherwise
accomplished president.
The book is a window into policy positions, international relations,
government bureaucracy and political manoeuvers in high office. Several
decisions, popular and unpopular, are laid bare as is their rationale and
impact. It paints a picture of the fire-fighting between government positions
and public perception and further shows the inter-play of all this with
opposition parties and the press.
Here is What Others Say
"Dickson Jere's book gives a rare insight into the working of an
African President, which is hardly ever recorded. It is therefore an epic piece
of work, which will be keenly read by students and scholars of contemporary
African political history and those who follow matters of statecraft" -Vernon
Johnson Mwaanga, veteran diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Zambia.
"The book helps readers to see the relationship between practice
and theory in national politics. It is simple, easy to read and yet insightful
narrative of not only a typical day at State House but also the turbulence of
being at the helm of daily political life. This book is one that leaves you
yearning for more..." Lee Habasonda, Lecturer in political
science, University of Zambia.
"For a nation still grasping at the straws of democratic
transparency and accountability, Jere's autobiographical portrayal of his
implication in the Rupiah Banda presidency as a political spin doctor is a
timely contribution to our knowledge of such national issues as elections,
political spin, the media, diplomacy and security" - Professor
Fackson Banda, media expert, UNESCO, Paris, France.
“What is prominent throughout this work is
politics: a revelation of the intrigues, power plays, mudslinging , and
electoral machinations that characterize not just Zambian politics, but also
African and world political systems in general.”– Dr. Charles
Phebih-Agyekum, Book Editor