Engineer, Businessman, Politician
Christopher Pere Ajuwa was the first Niger Deltan to run for the office of the President of Nigeria in 1993. He was an astute businessman during the 1980s and 1990s, best known for his humanitarian contributions.
Synopsis
Christopher Pere Ajuwa (1941–2017) hailed from the Gbaranraun Kingdom in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was a successful businessman, philanthropist, and politician. In the late 1980s, Pere became the first Niger Deltan in modern Nigerian history to challenge the political landscape of the country. He campaigned fearlessly across Nigeria, advocating for the inclusion of an Ijaw person or a Niger Deltan in the presidency, citing the region’s significant contribution to the national revenue through its resources.
In 1993, Pere Ajuwa contested the presidential primaries against Alhaji Bashir Tofa under the National Republican Convention (NRC). Subsequently, in 2003 and 2007, he contested the presidential elections against President Muhammadu Buhari under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). Although he never won these elections, his zeal and determination paved the way for many young politicians from the Niger Delta to aspire to the presidency. He was a man of affluence and a benefactor to many, both within the Niger Delta and beyond. Christopher Pere Ajuwa passed away in 2017 in Port Harcourt at the age of 76.
His Parents and Birth
Christopher Pere Ajuwa was born on November 23, 1941, to High Chief Pa Ogongolo Vurudu Ajuwa and Chief Ma Mrs. Rachael Diriayefa Ajuwa of Egbesubiri and Erubiri Quarters of Gbaranraun Kingdom. His birth was considered miraculous. It was reported that Pere’s mother went into labor while fishing and, without a midwife, gave birth to him in a canoe. On that same day, she caught her biggest fish ever, and she named her newborn son ‘Pere,’ which translates to “Wealth” in English.
Christopher Pere Ajuwa’s Education
Pere Ajuwa attended Ade Oshodi Primary School in Western Nigeria in the early 1950s, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He later enrolled at Stella Maris College, Okitipupa in Ondo State in the late 1960s. Unfortunately, he could not complete his studies at Stella Maris due to financial challenges. He later attended Yaba Trade Centre and Yaba Technical College, earning City and Guilds Intermediate and Advanced Technological Certificates in 1968 and 1974, respectively.
In the late 1970s, Pere furthered his education at Worcester University in the United Kingdom, studying Structural Engineering. He became a British-certified Technical Structural Engineer in the early 1980s. In 2006, he earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ekiti State University.
Athletic Achievements
Pere was an outstanding soccer player in the early 1970s. He played for Western State Corporation Football Club and the Research Institute of Nigeria Football Club in Ibadan. His skills on the field won him several accolades and made him a player to watch.
Work and Business Life
Pere was first employed as a technician with the Western State Water Corporation in Ibadan in 1969. He later joined the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) as an engineer in charge of the institute’s water treatment plant in 1970, where he worked for two years. In the late 1970s, he traveled to the UK for further studies.
In the early 1980s, Pere ventured into private business, specializing in building contracting and petroleum marketing under his company, Pere Roberto Nigeria Limited. He executed notable projects, including the construction of the Helipad at Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos, and various structures at the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri.
In 1986, Pere moved to Port Harcourt, where he contested for the presidency of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industries and won. Under his leadership, the first Port Harcourt International Trade Fair was organized. His business success did not overshadow his love for Nigeria and his desire to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed people of the Niger Delta.
Political Life
After his successful tenure as president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Pere launched his political career. In 1989, he contested and won the Yenagoa Federal Constituency seat in the Constituent Assembly. There, he strongly advocated for minority rights, the abrogation of the Land Use Act, and resource control.
Pere’s success in the Constituent Assembly gained him national recognition. He became a founding member of the Nigeria National Convention (NNC) and later the National Republican Convention (NRC). In 1992, he supported Chief Rufus Ada George, who became the Governor of the old Rivers State.
In 1993, Pere contested the NRC presidential primaries, running against Alhaji Bashir Tofa. Although he did not win, he became the first Niger Deltan to challenge the political dominance of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Pere’s political career continued, and he became a founding member of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). He contested the ANPP presidential primaries against Muhammadu Buhari in 2003 and 2007, though he did not win.
Humanitarian Efforts
Christopher Pere Ajuwa was known for his generosity and philanthropy. In 1992, he launched an educational foundation in Ukubie, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, awarding scholarships to deserving students. He also contributed to various religious and educational causes throughout his life.
Faith
Pere was christened in the Catholic faith in his youth but later became a Pentecostal. He worshipped at Christ Apostolic Church and Deeper Life Bible Church before becoming a founding member of Redemption Ministries, where he worshipped until his death. He was known for his love of praise and worship, often keeping a praise band to glorify God.
Death
Christopher Pere Ajuwa passed away on January 31, 2017, at his residence in Port Harcourt after a brief illness. His last words were, “Jesus, have mercy on me,” before he peacefully passed away at the age of 76.