By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi (SPON) and his family welcomed dignitaries to Ibusa,Delta State. The event, held on Sunday, July 7, 2024, was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Almighty God, encompassing significant milestones over his triumphant victory at the Supreme Court  last year (07-07-2023) which pronounced him(Sen Peter Nwaoboshi )free from any crime inspite of the politically induced petitions instigated from the same people who benefited from his political leadership patronage, inducing EFCC and the Appeal court judges secretively to go against an innocent ranking Nigeria Senator just because of their Political ambition for Power.

In a remarkable display of camaraderie, the Ibusa town played host to a diverse range of dignitaries who supported the Senator and his family.The Thanksgiving Service took place at the St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ibusa and the church Thanksgiving saw the prestigious presence of the former Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Ovie Omo-Agege, his running mate during the 2023 Gubernatorial election in Delta State, Rt. Hon Friday Osanebi,Prof. & Mrs Epiphany Azinge, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka,Hon. Odebala, Hon Evans and other notable personalities. APC Chieftains and members in Delta State were also present at the Thanksgiving service, while the reception was held at the Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi’s country home.

Prof. Epiphany Azinge,delivered a stirring set of remarks that expressed a spirit of gratitude to God for the freedom granted to Senator Peter Nwaoboshi by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Prof. Azinge also acknowledged the significance of the occasion that brought together leaders and friends of Sen. Nwaoboshi from across the political spectrum. He acknowledged God that Senator Nwaoboshi regained freedom after one year. He said that many do not know what Senator Nwaoboshi encountered during his incarceration but he thank God almighty for today because our Senator has regained his freedom without denting his name and political profile.

In his remarks, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, in his goodwill message, dedicated his last year Supreme Court victory in the legal tussle for his freedom to “God and people in his constituency”. The ranking senator said: “I dedicate this victory to God and you my people for standing by me throughout the legal tussle. I have faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. Nwaoboshi, noted that many people including the “authorities” worked against him but “God and you my people are greater and stronger than them”.

“They spent money, they lobbied but nobody can battle the Lord,” he said.He promised to continue to make his people the centre piece of his political activities. The wordings of the Supreme Court judges in this lead judgement (Part of this judgement reads:*” The facts of this case as established by the evidence of the prosecution do not disclose any basis for the initiation of the criminal case against the appellant,[ Sen Peter Nwaoboshi], 2nd and 3rd respondents*.
*It is of grave concern for the safety of persons in Nigeria that Efcc with a large number of very senior lawyers in its legal department, supported with senior advocates as external lawyers, subjected the appellant, 2nd and 3rd respondents to the criminal process of arrest, detention, prosecution and trial on the basis of facts that glaringly show that there was no basis for the initiation of such criminal processes against them.*
*Case such as this one creates reasonable belief that the criminal process was initiated against the appellant and two others with malice afore thought, spite and extreme Ill-will and that therefore the entire process is malicious*.
*What is even more disturbing, scandalous and fearful is that the court of Appeal did not see this glaring lack of basis for the criminal process against them and even convicted them for an offence they were not charged with and were not charged for.*) demonstrates man’s inhumanity to man amongst Anioma brothers at large.
Nwaoboshi described the huge turnout of the people at the church and his residence to felicitate with him “as a true reflection of the feeling of his people and friends, he deeply appreciated everyone who attended the occasion. He also gave special recognition to his family, including his aged mother Obi(Mrs)Agnes Nwaoboshi, Prof. & Mrs Epiphany Azinge and constituents from the Delta North Senatorial District, friends, well-wishers, and all who contributed to the success of the event.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

Asaba represents an ancient kingdom endowed with enviable trans-generational, cultural and historical legacies. The capital city of Delta State, wears to date; an encomiastic paean evocative of the iconic founder NNEBISI a dexterous archer.

Ancient history has it that His father was a prince of the Atta of lgala . His mother DIABA was a native of NTEJE in Onitsho Division of the East Central State of Nigeria .The heirlooms from NNEBISI is what is being rekindled in the quest to install a befitting Asagba (leader) for the primeval city.

Educational achievements of Asaba stand tall. Education is no doubt a major industry in Asaba. Statistics show that in every household in Asaba, no fewer than five graduates in diverse fields of learning exist, little wonder then that Asaba today has produced well over a 100 professors and still counting. The aphorism of Asaba which is equity, fairness and justice therefore apt.

The unique role played by the revered late HRM Chike Edozie (of blessed memory) in the emancipation of Asaba in particular from the political economic stranglehold of the old Benin Emirate can never be forgotten and over-emphasised.

His struggle against social injustice, political enslavement, economic strangulation and developmental stagnation of Asaba as capital of Delta State was definitely without a doubt unparalleled and unquestionable. His love, devotion, dedication, loyalty for the growth and development of his community were unprecedented and appreciated.

The silence is deafening just as the obvious has become common place with everyone except a few playing the ostrich and believing that the vast majority are still gullible as it was in the past in this twenty-first century.

The rumour mill is grinding away dangerously with each passing day as to where the pendulum would likely swing to as directed by the God in Heaven and our ancestors but interpreted by men of power, money and influence. And yes, this is where the trouble lies-upturning the decision of the all-seeing God for selfish aggrandizement.

As deafening as the silence appear, there are obvious signals that all is not well with the kingdom selection of new Asagba, yet some are already arrogating to themselves the power of life and death even as others are insisting that only the right thing be done otherwise peace will continue to elude the kingdom as long as manipulations of the sacred revelations of the gods have become the order of the day.

To put it in perspective, various interest groups have sprung up propagating various theories and interpreting the “edict” to suit their whims and caprices. But one thing is crystal clear and that is the fact that Ahaba Chiefs(who is who) have insisted that the “next monarch must be independent, sound in mind and fit in character, morals and sound enough in the language, custom, culture and traditions of the Asaba people. On the tortuous journey to the nomination, selection of the next Asagba of Asaba, interested candidates or interest blocks have limited possible choices to Prof. Epiphany Azinge,SAN,OON, born 13 November 1957,is a Nigerian lawyer and academic. He was the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009 and 2014. He is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. He is the founder and senior partner at Azinge & Azinge, a law firm in Abuja where his wife Valerie Azinge (also a SAN) is also a partner.

Epiphany had his secondary education at Sanit Patrick’s College, Asaba from 1970 to 1975. He studied law at the University of Lagos in 1976 and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980. He proceeded to the University of London for his Master’s degree in comparative constitutional law and shipping law in 1983. He proceeded to the London School of Economics for his Ph.D. His thesis was on Electoral Laws in Nigeria.In June 2015, he was appointed a member of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT) for a period of four years. He was re-appointed for another term of four years in 2019.

He started his career as a lecturer at the University of Benin, and then at the University of Abuja, where he introduced the information technology law in Nigeria in 1996. He also lectured at the Nasarawa State University.He was appointed Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Ashikodi Agbamuche where he served from 1991 to 1997. He was promoted to the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2006. He was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced legas Studies from 2009 to 2014.
Azinge was awarded honorary LLD in 2013 by the Commonwealth University, Belize. In 2014 he was decorated with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Goodluck Jonathan. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

Azinge is an indigene of Asaba, Nigeria. He is married to Valerie Azinge, SAN and they have four children together, He is grounded in all areas,he is tucked away not too far from the kingdom and whose pedigree should be of interest to the king makers of Asaba land. He is a man of strong and stable character, independent minded and humble as a person worthy of traditional investigation for possible nomination, selection and enthronement baring any manipulation from the powers that be.

As national president of the Asaba Development Union Worldwide, Prof. Azinge pivoted the union meritoriously and singularly launched Asaba into an economic, social and political scheme not only in Delta State but also in Nigeria. Hence, his enthronement as the next Asagba of Asaba will not only be a blessing to the community but also a giant stride in the growth and development of the town and Anioma in general.
A well tutored academic on Nigerian legal system and politics, Prof. Azinge has a wealth of researched and written books in Nigerian legal system covering the period 1914 amalgamation to the present. In his writings, he evaluated component elements of federal, regional/state, and local government administration, analyzed Nigerian foreign policy, political parties and pressure groups.

A kind husband to his wife, dedicated father to his biological children and subjects, Prof. Azinge has left nothing to chance in his quest to see that the best happens to his community, bringing his knowledge and experience in life affairs to bear. As a result, his developmental strides have generated thrills and excitement among his people both at home and in the Diaspora as well as those who have cross his path.

Now that he has declared his interest for the throne first to the Elders of his village people ( Umudaike Village) and to his entire quarter Ugbomanta in Asaba. At this juncture,it is reveal that the emergence of Professor Epiphany Azinge, the Okilolo Ahaba as Regent was not accidental because the entire Anioma Nation sees the Asagba of Asaba as the traditional eagle head of the entire nation, we nolonger see Asagba stool of as Asaba affairs only, we need a man with international influencial status and a superlative gentleman like Professor Epiphany Azinge,the Okilolo Ahaba as the next Asagba of Asaba,not a mediocre.
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All said and done, Professor Epiphany Azinge no doubt deserves the title of Asagba of Asaba as he is without much ado the person the cap fits, let him wear it. His investiture will usher in peace, acceptance,progress, growth, development, love and unity in Asaba,Delta State and Nigeria in general.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The land of Ibusa, yesterday, stood still, as dignitaries from all walks of life converged on the ancient town, to witness the final burials of Late Mama Onyemebizieogor Okafor(NEE MOZEA),PR guru, renowned Musician, Strategist, and social media influencer, Mr. Diyoyo Eluemunor Okafor. The remains of Golden Mother Mama Onyemebizieogor Okafor(NEE MOZEA) were committed to mother earth at Ogbeowele, Ibusa, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The colourful ceremony brought together her children, sons and daughters in-law, relatives, friends and well-wishers who came from near and wide to bid her farewell and pay their last respects.

The burial activities commenced with her children, family members and friends converging at the Mortuary for a long motorcade procession to Ogbeowele, Ibusa.

Golden Mother Okafor lived a life of purpose. She was a good mother, grandmother, mother in Law  and a friend to many. Though her demise came to many as a shock, but mama was indeed a virtuous woman. She was loved by the people of Ibusa town and her sterling straightforward, honest, trustworthiness and kindness distinguished her among her peers in the town.

The solemn funeral service was conducted at her residence while the funeral service and interment hold at the same venue . At the conclusion of the service, the body of Golden Mother Okafor was interred at the Okafor family compound, Ogbeowele Quarters, Ibusa.

After the interment, there was a reception for guests at her residence. The reception began with the traditional presentation of wedged kolanut and drinks by the children and family members .

This was followed by the singing of one of mama’s favorite songs, the hymn – All Things Bright and Beautiful. Amidst music that was supplied by OGB Okonji -Ibusa traditional music. The climax of the ceremony was friends, in-law’s greeting in accordance with native laws and customs.

Golden Mother Okafor was survived by children; sons/daughters in-law, grand-children and sisters, as well as other relatives and friends who enjoyed unalloyed love and support from her throughout her sojourn on earth.

In a tribute to his mother, Mr. Diyoyo Eluemunor Okafor described his late mother as a good mother that cared for all. He said she was a mother of all mothers in view of her love and kindness to all her children, all her in-laws and the members of her community.

Diyoyo Eluemunor Okafor prayed to God to give the soul of his late mother eternal rest.

My boss, my father , You are the most innovative person in politics today! Today I want to wish you a very happy birthday and thank you for all you have done for me, wonderful family, villages, towns, nine local government, state and country!
You truly are an inspiration, not just to us your family but to many!We wouldn’t be in the strong position that we are without your passion, care, dedication and leadership.

Not only do you seamlessly adapt to address the emerging challenges from the persistent ones that we face in our society today, but you are also always striving to make things better with new approaches and such unfaltering determination. We are so very grateful to you for all of your non-stop dedication and determination, while still having time to give us the guidance we need. The finesse in which you balance everything is almost superhuman!

You have many fantastic qualities but among the top of them have to be that you are dependable, trustworthy and you are always there for your family and constituents and a truly inspirational figure!I just wanted you to know on your special day how much you are admired and respected by your people!
You have certainly earned your place in history! Oshimili 1 . A great Anioma Hero
Today I have the pleasure of wishing a great father and a wonderful Politician of our time a fantastic birthday this year filled with much happiness!

Hon. Henry Mordi (aka Ojokojo)