Book Description

The ability for three words to communicate so much has been born out through history and unleashed some of the most powerful revolutions the world has seen. A "Common Sense Revolution" by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce is also three words with the potential to fundamentally change the future of a country, but with more in common with the type of peaceful revolution created by Thatcher than Robespierre or Lenin. There have been many times when the words 'a new type of politics' have been uttered only to be a fleeting moment of optimism before everything reverts to type. However there is something remarkably fresh and new about how Ben Murray-Bruce has caught the public's imagination in Africa's most populous nation. He is not the 'common man', to do what he has done is indeed most uncommon, but he has managed to touch a nerve and communicate to the people of Nigeria in a way that has reached out to all irrespective of State or religion. Communication is not just about speeches, oratory prowess or, even in today's world, how well you tweet. It is a two-way street where it as important to listen as well as to speak. The very title of this book is testimony to that as it emerged from a trending hashtag, #commonsenserevolution that was created by the people of Nigeria in response to Ben Murray-Bruce's ongoing narrative on events based on his simple theme of: "I just want to make common sense." Ben Murray-Bruce heard the people and acted. And we can see that in how he addresses each issue where he combines leadership with responsiveness, to create quite a unique and powerful blend of communication. Time and time again he hits the bullseye across the nation, whether it is challenging Ministers to reduce government waste by, for example, not flying First Class or donating his Senatorial Clothing Allowance to impoverished women. These individual actions are not unrelated topical or tactical initiatives but are informed and driven by his very clear belief in the need for the very fabric of Nigerian society to change. At his speech at Silverbird Group's 35th Anniversary he made the case clearly and powerfully that the biggest division in Nigeria is not between North and South or between Muslim and Christian, but between Rich and Poor. With the peaceful transition of power in 2015 the people of Nigeria have seen that their vote can count, but unless they see the benefit that change will count for nothing. Ben Murray's Bruce's current contribution is to hold to account a Government that promised change so that the people's hopes and aspirations are not dashed once more on the rocks of 'politics as usual'. As has already been pointed out, Nigeria recently surpassed South Africa as the continent's largest economy. What is less widely known is that by 2019 it will be more than twice its size and will be one of the world's top 20 economies. Ben Murray-Bruce believes it is Common Sense that the common man should finally share in this prosperity and if not we will see a different type of Revolution that will make what happened in France over 200 years ago look like an amuse bouche. I have been to Nigeria 46 times and have been hugely impressed by the intelligence, ingenuity and exuberance of every Nigerian I meet, but who for so long has been manacled by a corrupt elite and ineffective government. And in Ben Murray-Bruce the people have been impressed by a man who they believe can help free them to realise their potential. Ben Murray-Bruce's vision is to create a Nigeria where every citizen will be judged not from the State they come from but where they are going. Ben Murray Bruce's Common Sense Revolution is to show how Nigeria can become a country where, to paraphrase Cicero on Rome, everyone will be able to claim "Civis Nigerianus sum" and expect - and deserve - to be treated fairly and equally. -Michael Moszynki