Peterside Promises To Immortalise Rex Jim Lawson

European Union delegate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Alen Monday (right) exchanging views with the Country Director, Search for Common Ground, Mr Chom Bagu, during the press conference organised by the group, in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has promised to immortalise music icon and South-South culture ambassador, late Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson.
Peterside said this in Buguma, home town of the music maestro during a meeting with traditional rulers in the kingdom.
Peterside who personally visited the graveside of the  music icon told the people that he will do everything possible to keep alive the memory of the music genius and assured that his government will pay close attention to creativity and performing arts.
‘Today, we stand before the remains of one of Africa’s greatest high life legends. I want to assure you my dear people of Buguma that Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson did not die in vain. We are therefore here to reinforce the values of love, unity and peace which Lawson espouses in his works. It is also our duty to ensure that we support these high ideals all the time.
“As a people, we must accept our collective failure, aside from the more obvious failure of the Nigerian state in immortalising this great son of Africa. Rex Jim Lawson was able to thrive artistically because the environment was conducive. As governor, I will provide the needed creative environment for every Rivers man and woman to express him or herself.  I will also promote arts and culture and ensure that we encourage talented people in arts, engineering, science and technology.
‘Without a doubt, Lawson inspired a generation of musicians in Nigeria and beyond and we must keep his spirit alive. You will agree with me that this place should naturally be a tourist centre but I doubt how often you host tourists and scholars of African music. This environment is not even conducive and befitting for such homage even when people are interested in coming. I promise to reverse this when we are elected”, he said.
Peterside called on the people to vote massively for the APC so that the dream of immortalising Lawson will come to reality.