Nigeria, Oct. 15 -- There are few things more dignifying than when a towering public figure extends the courtesy of respect wrapped in humility. General Lucky Irabor, former chief of defence staff, exemplifies that rare blend of strength and grace. When he invited me to the presentation of his new book, SCARS: Nigeria's Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, I was reminded that behind the imposing military stature lies a man of reflection, intellect, and empathy - unless, of course, one dares to cross the line.

This quality stands in sharp contrast with the arrogance I encountered in a strategic institute where a few officers' inflated egos left little room for courtesy or intellectual exchange.

I could not attend the book launch due to ...