What roles do President Sam, Christopher Oriko, and Professor Okong play in the novel "The Anthills of the Savannah" in Chapter One?

In Chapter One of "The Anthills of the Savannah," President Sam is the authoritarian leader of the fictional African country of Kangan. He holds absolute power and is portrayed as a corrupt and oppressive ruler who is more concerned with maintaining his grip on power than with the well-being of his people.

Christopher Oriko is a close friend of President Sam and serves as the Commissioner for Information and Culture in the government. He is depicted as a loyal and ambitious individual who is willing to overlook the injustices of the regime in order to advance his own career.

Professor Okong is a university lecturer and a critic of the government. He is a voice of dissent and represents the intellectual opposition to President Sam's rule. Professor Okong is portrayed as a principled and courageous individual who is willing to speak out against the injustices and corruption of the regime, even at great personal risk.

President Sam

- Role: President of the fictional West African Republic of Kangan
- Description: A charismatic and idealistic leader who is initially committed to reforms and improving the lives of his people. However, he becomes increasingly autocratic and paranoid as he faces internal opposition and external threats.

Christopher Oriko

- Role: Secretary-General of the ruling party, National Union for Progress (NUP)
- Description: A ruthless and ambitious politician who uses his position to consolidate power and suppress dissent. He is the primary antagonist of the novel.

Professor Okong

- Role: Renowned historian and intellectual
- Description: A respected and independent voice who challenges the government's narrative and advocates for justice. He is a close friend of President Sam and serves as a confidant and mentor to him.