Elder Statesman, Teacher, Barrister, Administrator, and Politician
Opening Summary
My name is Chief Christian Arobo Okoloba-Aziba, an Ogbia chief from Opume community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Over the course of my life, I have served my people and my state in various capacities—as a teacher, civil servant, barrister, administrator, and politician. My journey from humble beginnings to positions of public responsibility has been guided by dedication to education, service, and community development.
Early Life and Background
I was born on June 12, 1937, into the family of the late Pa Claudius E. Okoloba and the late Mrs. Isete Okoloba (née Eniam) of Opume community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
My upbringing was shaped by discipline, hard work, and a deep respect for education. These values influenced the path I later took in life, both in public service and in politics.
Education and Early Career
I began my formal education at St. Peter’s Primary School, Opume, where I studied from 1945 to 1951 and obtained my First School Leaving Certificate.
Due to financial constraints at the time, I was unable to proceed immediately to secondary school. Rather than give up on my aspirations, I began working as a teacher, serving in various schools across the Brass, Nembe, and Ogbia districts.
Determined to further my education, I later attended Teachers Training College, Osusu Aba, where I obtained my Teacher Grade II Certificate. My passion for learning and teaching continued to grow, and I eventually gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where I studied History and graduated in 1974 with a Second Class Upper degree.
After completing my university education, I transitioned from teaching into the administrative service of the Rivers State Civil Service. Beginning as an Administrative Officer, I steadily rose through the ranks through dedication and hard work until I eventually attained the position of Director-General. I retired from the civil service in 1993, leaving behind an unblemished record of service.
Education has always been very important to me. In pursuit of further knowledge, I enrolled at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where I obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1990. I later proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, graduating as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1991.
Political Career and Public Service
Although I formally entered active politics after my retirement in 1993, my involvement in politics dates back to the Second Republic, when I gave my support to my kinsman, the late Chief Melford Okilo, who was elected Governor of old Rivers State in 1979 and 1983.
My political engagement became more prominent with the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
In 1999, when Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, I joined other committed Bayelsans in supporting his candidacy alongside Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who became his running mate and subsequently the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Following their victory in the elections, I was appointed Vice Chairman of the Transitional Committee and also served as a member of the Bayelsa State Advisory Council. I was later appointed the first Executive Secretary of the Youth and Sports Bureau in the Governor’s Office of Bayelsa State.
In 2001, I was appointed Commissioner in the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission. After a brief period in that role, I was appointed Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Community Relations and Religious Affairs.
I continued to serve in this capacity after the re-election of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha in 2003 until his removal from office on December 9, 2005.
During this period, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha honored me with the title of Justice of the Peace (JP) in 2005.
When my close friend and kinsman Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan assumed leadership of Bayelsa State in 2005, I retained my role as Special Adviser on Community Relations. I was later 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 served as Special Adviser on Community Relations, a position I held until the end of that administration in 2012.
Family Life
I am a polygamist and was married to two wives during my lifetime.
My first wife, the late Pastor Mrs. Maria Okoloba, with whom I had children, passed away on March 27, 2025.
My second wife, Mrs. Jane Okoloba from Nembe, also passed away earlier on April 16, 2024.
Both women were supportive companions throughout different phases of my life and public service.
Present Life
Now in my advanced years, I devote much of my time to maintaining my health, reflecting on my life’s journey, and seeking God’s guidance.
I remain grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve my community, my state, and my country, and I continue to pray for peace, unity, and development in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.
