The Last Militant: a biography of Comrade Cheta ‘Che’ Ibama Ibegwura and Fury of the fisherwoman: a book of poems, both written by Patrick B. Naagbanton – journalist, biographer, poet and human rights activist – will be presented at City Hall, Port Harcourt Local Government Council, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on March 5 under the chairpersonship of Ms. Constance Meju.
A press release from the publishers, Creektown Books, says the public presentation will also feature a lecture by Professor Mark Anikpo, a retired Professor of Sociology, on contemporary Nigerian social issues.
The Last Militant celebrates the life of one of Nigeria’s unsung labour leaders, Comrade Cheta Ibegwura, also popularly called Comrade Che, who was very active in the labour movement from the years before independence to the 1980s and in the civil rights crusade of that era and even now. Comrade Che is also a key activist in the advancement of ethnic minority rights in the Niger Delta.
In the Foreword to the book, the famous poet, architect and environmental rights activist Nnimmo Bassey says: “This biography celebrates a great Nigerian who has stayed true to his convictions even when it is against the common grain. Patrick chose a very clever approach to the writing of this book.
Comrade Che stands out as a hero and patriot that deserve to be celebrated for his dogged commitment to the cause of justice. The book brings to life the horrors of the bitter days of military dictatorship in Nigeria, and reminds the reader that those actors are still very much in the forefront of our political reality today.
By adopting this approach, Patrick’s work fills a vacuum created by a lack of focus on the nation’s contemporary history and the characters that ran the nation to the ground.”
Fury of the Fisherwoman is a collection of poems written by Naagbanton reflecting social conditions, particularly in Nigeria.
