Nsemia Inc. Publishers announces an upcoming title Inside the Presidency: the Trials and Tribulations of a Zambian Spin Doctor by Dickson Jere.
The book 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.
The book captures Banda’s ascendancy to the presidency following the death of Levi Mwanawasa in whose regime he served as Vice-President. Telling it as it was Dickson Jere captures the roles played by a number of players in supporting the president to meet his mandate. Jere gives us a first-hand account at the presidency, the challenges (and later failure) by Banda to secure a second term of office. He captures well the flaws in the ruling party that aided in this failure.
The book gives insights into the workings of the presidency as told by the official government spokesman and offers a window into the policy positions, international relations, government bureaucracy and political maneuvers in the high office. Several decisions both popular and unpopular are laid bare. It paints a picture of a lot of fire-fighting between government positions and public perception and further show 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
Inside the Presidency: the Trials and Tribulations of a Zambian Spin Doctor will be available in March 2014. Watch out for formal release announcement.