Ogun East Senator, Gbenga Daniel, on Wednesday presented four books chronicling his years in public office and his prolonged legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The books were launched in Abuja as part of activities marking his 70th birthday.
Two of the publications—“Daniel in the Lion’s Den” and “My March Through the Court”—were written by the senator himself. The former reflects on his time as governor of Ogun State, highlighting major decisions and controversies during his administration, while the latter details his 11-year legal ordeal following his exit from office in 2011.
The other titles include “Path to Justice,” authored by his lawyer, Deji Eniseyin, which offers a legal analysis of the case, and “OGD in the Eyes of Time” by Patrick James, providing a personal perspective on Daniel’s life and legacy.
Daniel was initially arraigned by the EFCC in 2011 on a 38-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of N211.3 million, fraudulent withdrawals, and abuse of office. After years of legal proceedings and multiple amendments to the charges, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in April 2022, bringing the case to a close.
The book launch attracted prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, President Tinubu praised Daniel’s contributions to governance and national development. He described the senator as a seasoned professional whose career spans engineering, business, and politics.
The president also highlighted Daniel’s role in founding Kresta Laurel, noting its growth into a leading firm in Nigeria’s engineering sector, particularly in elevator installation and maintenance.
In his remarks, Daniel expressed gratitude to Tinubu, describing him as a key influence on his administration as governor. He credited the president’s ideas and leadership style as instrumental to some of the policies implemented during his tenure.
The senator further identified misinformation, corruption, and weak ethical standards as major challenges facing Nigeria. He stressed the need for improved access to credible information, noting that many political decisions are often based on distorted narratives, and called for greater investment in fact-based information systems.
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