NewslodgeBooks, the book publishing arm of NewslodgeGroup, has published a memoir written by Ralph Sixtus Babatunde (RSB) Bello-Fadile, a retired colonel in the Nigerian Army.
Titled 'Nine Lives: The Bello-Fadile Memoirs', the book chronicles the early life of Bello Fadile, his service in the Nigerian Army and his brush with death after his arrest in 1995 during the military government of the late General Sani Abacha.
Bello Fadile's five-chapter memoir offers insight into the life of a man determined to overcome all limitations.
The book captures a time in Nigerian history when military governments and coups d'état were rife. It also gives readers an idea of how close associations with the wrong people could alter the course of one's life.
In a foreword to the book, former military president Ibrahim Babangida described Bello Fadile as an individual who embodies “persistence, vigor, ingenuity, faith and an indomitable spirit.”
The former leader highlighted how the book's title, “Nine Lives,” symbolizes “the exceptional circumstances in which Bello-Fadile has managed to endure life's difficulties.”
“This book explores the multifaceted ways in which Bello-Fadile exemplifies these traits, as a military officer and intellectual, showcasing his exceptional intelligence, his clever sense of humor, and his keen intuition. “Bello-Fadile always emerges unscathed from any challenge,” he added.
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Inside 'Nine Lives: The Memoirs of Bello-Fadile'
Chapter one introduces the reader to the early life of Ralph Sixtus Babatunde (RSB) Bello-Fadile. Originally from Kabba, Kogi State, Bello-Fadile came from a humble background. His father was absent and the burden of raising a family fell on his mother.
After his primary education, he faced immense difficulties in finding funds to continue his education. Enrolling in a free university was the only option. “My educational situation brought with it the unpleasant reality of the absence of a father who met my educational needs,” he reflected.
With the help of a relative, Mr. Bello-Fadile enrolled at the Ilorin Teachers Training College in 1966, where he received his second grade teaching certificate.
Between 1972 and 1974, he completed the 11th Regular Fighter Course at the Nigerian Defense Academy, NDA. In 1974, he was granted sponsorship to study law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a feat that no Nigerian military officer had achieved at that time. In June 1977, he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree, making him the first lawyer trained by the Nigerian military.
In Chapter 2, Bello-Fadile takes us on a journey through his service as the first military-trained lawyer. He detailed how he escaped possible death only by being chosen as a defense attorney for four officers accused of plotting a coup. He also detailed his involvement in the Enterprise, codenamed the Return to Barracks Campaign, and his subsequent arrest in February 1995.
In Chapter 3, the author gave a detailed description of the coups in Nigeria, unconstitutional changes in government, as well as the revolution in Nigeria and its effects.
Bello-Fadile opens chapter four of the book with this reflection. “Knowing the immense danger that awaited me in daring to dream of a democratic Nigeria during my time in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I did it anyway. I conquered all fears of failure with good humor and a sincere belief in the opportunities that come with true democracy.”
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On July 14, 1995, he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death by firing squad.
In Chapter 5, Bello-Fadile detailed his tribulations in custody, his near-death experiences and his release from prison when former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, granted him state pardon on March 4, 1999.
In the final chapter, he said, “My experiences have made me the man of Nine Lives and I am grateful to God for granting me the grace to tell this story.”
“Nine Lives: The Memoirs of Bello-Fadile”