Amaechi, Nigeria’s Hope And Future -Jackson, Anyaoku

Foremost Black-American civil rights activist, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku have commended the achievements of Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

Jackson and Anyaoku lauded Governor Amaechi’s developmental works in Rivers State while speaking at a dinner and command performance of Prof. Chinua Achebe’s political satire- ‘A Man of The People’ as part of the 2011 Garden City Literary Festival in Government House, Port Harcourt, Wednesday.

Rev. Jackson who was full of praises for the country’s democratic growth observed that Governor Amaechi represents the new spirit in firming Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. “Amaechi represents the future and hope of the country,” he said.

Commending the artistic enactment of Achebe’s book, Jackson was of the view that literature is the key to liberation, as the play sheds light on societal ills and at the same time seeks to find solution to them. He stressed that the literary festival will serve as a catalyst in deepening democratic principles.

Similarly, Chief Emeka Anyaoku recognized that there are lots of changes in Rivers State coupled with the literary festival. “I could see Rivers State is fast approaching a level of development and from what I have seen, it is wonderful coming to the Garden City Literary Festival.”

Anyaoku stated that the festival would provide the key to sustaining the development of the State as he pledged to support the forum in the future.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has promised to fund the enactment of the book ‘A Man of the People’ into a movie, stating that the book depicts the ills in the country and has a lot of lessons to teach present day politicians.

Amaechi commended the Theatre Arts students of the University of Port Harcourt for the artistic expression of the work, while disclosing that he has already commissioned popular Nollywood actress, Joke Silva and other actors to make a cinematic adaptation of the work.

He advised politicians in the State to read the book, saying, “Life is not about the seriousness of the office.”