Police Officer, Politician, Elder Statesman
Morungbe Yeipeigha Waritimi: A Legacy of Integrity and Service
Morungbe Yeipeigha Waritimi (1928-2001) was a distinguished Ijaw figure who lived a life of integrity and served the Nigeria Police Force with professionalism and dedication. His contributions were significant in the politics of old Rivers State and the Ijaw National Congress.
Early Life and Education
Born in December 1928 in Aleibiri community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Waritimi was the son of Pa Waritimi Tombo and Mrs. Eremoleigha Waritimi. He began his education at the Native Administrative (NA) School in Aleibiri, earning his First School Leaving Certificate in 1948. From 1960 to 1962, he pursued the London Ordinary and Advanced level program via correspondence, obtaining certificates in English Language, Economics, Government, and English History while serving in the Police Force.
Career in the Nigeria Police Force
Waritimi’s career began as a teacher under the Colonial Native Administration of the Former Western Ijaw Division. He joined the Nigeria Police Force around 1950 as a recruit constable, driven by a deep conviction for the invaluable purpose of policing in society. Rising through the ranks, he attended several courses both within and outside Nigeria, serving in various states including Enugu, Sapele, Onitsha, Umuahia, Benin, and Apapa-Lagos from the 60s to 70s. He held key positions such as Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Jos, Plateau State (1977-1978), and Port Harcourt, Rivers State (1979-1982). He retired voluntarily in 1982 as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), leaving behind a legacy of integrity and honor.
Political Involvement
After retiring from the Police Force, Waritimi ventured into politics, joining the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1983. He contested for a Senate seat against Chief Dan Lauzia Etete of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) but lost. Following the military coup on December 31, 1983, political activities were banned.
Contributions to SPDC
From 1985 to 1988, Waritimi worked for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on a contract basis as Head of Security in the Eastern Division, Port Harcourt. He transformed the Security Division with his extensive experience and ethics from the Nigerian Police Force.
Return to Politics
With the lifting of the political ban in 1990, Waritimi joined the Social Democratic Party and was elected the state’s party Chairman for old Rivers State in 1991. He served with dignity and integrity.
Advocacy for the Ijaw Nation
Chief Waritimi was a fervent advocate for the Ijaw Nation. He was a founding member of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), serving as National Treasurer from 1993 to 1997. He played a pivotal role in the creation of Bayelsa State, the only “pure” Ijaw state in Nigeria, envisioning it as a developed region akin to Amsterdam.
Community Leadership
Waritimi was deeply involved in traditional institutions and community development. He was the first chairman of the General Assembly of Aleibiri Federated Communities (1996-1997) and chaired the Constitution Drafting Committee, authoring the 1996 constitution of the territory of Alei. He was made a reputable Chief in 1997, overseeing Gbogbai-Ama in the Alei Council of Chiefs, Aleibiri. An avid reader, he established modern reference libraries in Aleibiri Town and Port Harcourt to encourage education.
Family and Legacy
Chief Waritimi was a polygamist with many children and grandchildren. Among his children are a renowned artist/sculptor and lecturer, a Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, a retired Permanent Secretary, a Commissioner, a Medical Doctor, Engineers, and an Academic Doctor. He believed in the transformative power of education, ensuring all his children aspired to have at least an undergraduate degree. As of this writing, twenty-five of his children hold at least a first degree.
His Death
Chief Morungbe Yeipeigha Waritimi passed away on June 12, 2001, in Port Harcourt and was buried in his hometown Aleibiri on December 1, 2001. He was 73 years old. His legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to the Ijaw Nation continues to inspire.
