Looking at it from the perspective of a journalism teacher, this book seems to be the longest feature story ever written by a Nigerian journalist. And It Came to Pass could be described as an experiential autobiography/biography because the writer comes away as an active witness in the unfolding history. The author, at a point, became an active participant – a participant-observer – who was embedded in some of the scenes in the unfolding drama.
This article is based on And It Came to Pass, the third book written by Anietie Usen and published by Parresia Publishers, Lagos, this year. It tells the story of how a Qua Iboe/United Evangelical Church Deacon turned an Apostolic Church pastor/All Nations Christian Ministries International founder, Eket, into a state Governor. It is also the story of how a hospitality industry self-styled ‘Governor’ became the Governor of a state in Nigeria. In that respect, Ken Caleb Olumese, Guv’nor of Niteshift Coliseum must be green with envy!
Autobiographies and biographies have the power to reveal a person’s life in raw form. From the struggles they witnessed to the hurdles they jumped over. This genre covers it all. And It Came to Pass reminds me of another great journalistic tour de force written by two outstanding American journalists, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, titled, All the President’s Men. Anietie Usen’s book is delivered in simple, down to earth, clear, concise, captivating prose. It is detailed, well researched, racy, gripping. Anietie Usen has, through this book, defended his best in class status among journalists of his generation in West Africa.
