Elder Statesman, Teacher, Barrister, Administrator, Politician
I am Chief Christian Arobo Okoloba-Aziba, an esteemed Ogbia Chief hailing from Opume community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. My experiences encompass both a dedicated career in public service and active involvement in the realm of politics.
Birth Date
I was born on June 12, 1937, to the family of the late Pa Claudius E. Okoloba and the late Mrs. Isete Okoloba (née Eniam), all from Opume in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Education and Public Service Career
I received my primary education at St. Peter Primary School, Opume, from 1945 to 1951, where I earned my first school leaving certificate.
Due to financial constraints, I was unable to pursue secondary education as a young man. Consequently, I ventured into the teaching profession. I taught at various schools in the Brass, Nembe, and Ogbia districts. Subsequently, I enrolled at the Teachers Training College Osusu Aba, attaining a Teacher Grade II certificate. My passion for teaching persisted, leading me to join Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. Here, I diligently studied History, achieving a Second Class Upper degree in 1974.
Upon completing my university education, I transitioned from teaching to the administrative domain. I joined the Rivers State civil service, beginning as an Administrative Officer and steadily ascending the ranks to ultimately become a Director-General. I concluded my service in 1993, maintaining an unblemished record.
Education remains a paramount value in my life. I attained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Rivers State University of Science & Technology in 1990. Subsequently, I furthered my legal education by graduating from the Nigeria Law School in 1991.
Retirement and Politics
After my retirement in 1993, I entered the realm of active politics. However, my involvement in politics dates back to the second republic, during which I provided humble support to my kinsman, the late Chief Melford Okilo, who emerged victorious in the 1979 and 1983 elections.
My political journey gained momentum during my prime years, and I experienced significant success. I held a prominent position in the corridors of power in Bayelsa State for a span of 13 years. In 1999, following the selection of the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha as the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party for the gubernatorial race in Bayelsa State, I was among the distinguished Bayelsans who rallied behind Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Dr. Jonathan became the running mate to Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and subsequently assumed the role of Deputy Governor, with Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha as Governor. After the elections, I was appointed Vice Chairman of the Transitional Committee and a member of the Bayelsa State Advisory Councils. Furthermore, I was honored to become the first Executive Secretary of the Youth & Sport Bureau in the Governor’s Office of Bayelsa State.
In 2001, I received an appointment as Commissioner in the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission. After a brief tenure there, I was later designated as the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Community Relations & Religious Affairs. This role continued after the re-election of Chief DSP as Governor in 2003. I maintained my position as Special Adviser on Community Relations until Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was removed from office on December 9, 2005.
Late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha also bestowed upon me the title of Justice of Peace in 2005.
When my kinsman and close friend, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, assumed leadership of Bayelsa State in 2005, I retained my role as Special Adviser on Community Relations. Later, I was appointed Commissioner in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Service Commission. In May 2007, when Chief Timipre Sylva became Governor of Bayelsa State, I once again assumed the role of Special Adviser on Community Relations. I continued in this capacity until the conclusion of the administration in 2012.
Family
I am married to Pastor Mrs. Maria Okoloba, and we have children together. Currently, I am in my advanced years, focusing on my health and dedicating time to seeking God’s guidance.
