The book, Political Assasinations is an account of the experiences of the author as a political prisoner living with hardened criminals for several years. The experience gave him the opportunity to interact with the inmates, understand their mindset and study their ways of life. The work is also a compendium of political assassinations in world history with Nigeria as case study.

The author identifies greed, desperation for power, refusal to allow healthy political or business rivalries and intolerance of dissenting opinions as attributes of murder sponsors. Those who sponsor murders often end up as life hostages of the assailants who usually resort to cheap blackmail. The assassin as a blackmailer usually returns for more.

In the first chapter, the author traces the definition and origin of ‘assassination’ to the Ismaili Islamic sect led by the Old Men of the Mountains who established its headquarters in the South of the Caspian Sea in Persia (present day Syria and Iran) in AD 1090. The author traces the origin of the word assassin, aside listing general patterns and trends of assassinations.

Sanni deduced that prior to the 1990s, the only kind of assassination that Nigerians were familiar with was the coup d’etat. Then in 1986, a new dimension was introduced when Dele Giwa, a radical editor of the Newswatch magazine was assassinated with a parcel bomb. Assassination of political figures became a social problem during the Abacha regime and has increased even during the civilian regime. This trend threw up so many questions.

Nigeria’s history and social economic structure is also examined.
In chapter two, the author takes a vivid look at the topic, Theoretical Perspectives on Assassination and Violent Crimes. The author views assassination as a crime, driven by aggression and violence. To understand the workings of the minds of assassins, the author points out that it is necessary to situate the quest within the general framework of science and aggressive behaviours.

In concluding that chapter, the author notes that each of the perspectives has its strength and weakness in attempting to explain violent or aggressive behaviour. It follows that a comprehensive theory of aggressive behaviour must ultimately be capable of blending the strengths of all the perspectives. This basic truism permeates the discussions in the book.

The author in chapter three takes a shift from the perspective and now focuses on political assassinations in world history. The author notes that assassination has been part and parcel of human history. For example, the famous assassination of Julius Ceasar which occurred in the century before the birth of Christ (44 BC) is a case in point.

This chapter, which runs from page 49 to 79 takes a look at various assassinations carried out around the world on high profile personalities, the perpetrators of such dastard act, and the motive behind such acts. Writing under the sub-heading as Profile of Assassins in the Momentous, Assassinations in world History, Shehu tries to look at assassinations as a way of oppressing the people. Here he takes a look at their profiles, the reasons, plots, the executions, and picks out seven assassinations that rocked the world to its foundation.

The author in chapter four looks at the topic, Political assassination in Nigeria. The author looks at three historical periods: 1960-1992, 1993-1998 and 1999 to date. With the exception of Dele Giwa, a radical journalist and editor of Newswatch Magazine, who was assassinated with a parcel bomb in April 1986, the remaining cases, the author states, fall within this historical time frame that had to do with people in government and politically motivated killings.

The author lists some of the politicians who had at one time or the other been felled by assassins’ bullets, including the late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Northern region’s Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Western region’s Premier, Chief Samuel Akintola, and a host of other civilian and military casualties.

On page 82, the author reels out the names of notable men and politicians that have been hacked down by assassins’ bullets, with no trace of the culprits.

Chapter five takes a look at the Legal System and the Assassin. The sub-topic: Nigerian Law and the Assassin, takes a critical look at the section of the constitution that focuses on the modus operandi by which such murders are carried out. The section also highlights factors that hamper police investigation and inability of the judiciary in convicting assassins.

The author also presents proposals on penal/correctional system relating to Nigeria’s social structural configuration and values, this he highlights as structural imbalances, leadership and management problems. These factors according to him, have led to the emergence of a nation with many paradoxes. With this, he rounds off the last chapter. He thereafter presents a bibliography of three pages with a four-page index. His profile and portrait adorn the last page.

With Political Assassinations in Nigeria, the author has once again demonstrated his skills as a writer with class, and a man with vast knowledge of Nigeria’s political landscape. Using historical and factual excerpts from magazines and newspapers, the author unfolds history and presents solutions to such killings.

The book is written in simple language and it is a must read because the subject is easily a sensitive one. This is another wonderful work by Shehu Sani, an activist, playwright and President, Civil Right Congress (CRC).

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter*), "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England.

During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.


As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.

In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year.

In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MY MUM AND ALL MOTHERS IN THE WORLD.

The City of Asaba, the capital of oil rich Delta State of Nigeria is strategically located on a hill at the western edge of the majestic River Niger. The historic River Niger is a Trans-African link beginning from East Africa and down into the Atlantic Ocean. Asaba forms a connector between western, eastern and northern Nigeria through the River Niger from the north and via the Asaba Niger Bridge, an east west link and a Nigeria landmark.

Asaba lies approximately 6 degrees north of the equator and about the same distance east of the meridian; about 100 miles north of where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The greater Asaba occupies an area of about 300 square kilometers. It maintains an average tropical temperature of 90 degrees during the dry season and an average fertile rainfall of 6 inches during the rainy season. Ibo is the native language in Asaba and neighboring towns.

Since becoming the Delta State capital, Asaba has grown in population to over half a million very hospitable people and now maintains a cosmopolitan population of predominantly non-indigenous People.

Asaba Villages

Umuezei
Ugbomanta
Umuagu
Umuaji
Umuonaje

MAJOR FESTIVALS

The major festivals in Asaba are: Ulor, Aja, Iwaji, Ine or Ekwensu, & Olia Oma

ULOR

This is a biannual festival held in July to mark the cleansing of the town of evil spirits, illnesses and misfortunes.

AJA

This means - "sacrifice" and is celebrated annually in August to appease the gods and mark the beginning of harvest period.

IWAJI

This is celebrated in September and marks the harvest period. It celebrates the abundance and availability of new yams.

INE or EKWENSU

This is a five-day celebration with each day for each Asaba Village. It is marked by a military like parade and war dances reminiscent of the old battles in which Asaba people distinguished themselves.

OLIA OMA

This is a feast day at the end of the harvest during which families give sacrifices to their dead mothers. Sought of mothers day for deceased mothers.

ASABA TITLES

Asaba has two main group of titles; one obtained by joining a title association and the other is conferred on an individual by the Asagba of Asaba and is called OLINZELE. The main titles in Asaba in their order of superiority are Mkpisi, Alo, and Eze.

MKPISI

This is the first Association into which all males are initiated to confirm their citizenship. It is done every 20 years and is a perquisite to the ALO and EZE titles. Note: That you did not participate in this initiation does not mean that you are not a true citizen, or would it prevent you from gaining other Asaba titles.

ALO

This is a very prestigious title that cannot be taken by one whose father is alive, and is a necessary prerequisite to the EZE title. The initiatee among other things must slaughter a cow that will be shared by other Alo titleholders of his village. The Alo titleholder is greeted as "ogbuefi" Meaning: killer of Cow. His regalia comprise a decorated fan from the skin of the cow and an elephant tusk (otulaka")

EZE

Eze means 'king". Besides the Asagba of Asaba this is the most expensive, prestigious and demanding title that an Asaba person can hold. Before some of the restrictions of this title were loosened, an Eze titleholder cannot spend a night outside the city limits of Asaba, eats at exactly the same time every day. His initiation lasts 40days and is greeted every morning with the royal dance "egwu ota". When an Eze dies, his burial ceremony lasts 4 weeks and he is buried sitting down with a piece of white cloth. The regalia of an Eze consists of a red cap adorned with palm fiber and eagle feathers, a horse tail "uya" and a cow tail "nza" and an elephant tusk "otulaka". As the highest title holders in town is the Eze. The Ezes sit next to the Asagba in all meetings. Asaba has other non-age restricting Titles of merit. The Asagba confers some, Others by the villages.

TITLES OF MERIT

Titles of merit are: Iyase, Odogwu, Omu, Oloto, Onoi & Ogbuu

IYASE

The Iyase chieftancy is perhaps the oldest and most important title in Asaba next to the Asagba of Asaba. The Iyase of Asaba can only be compared to a General of an Army. The Iyase in the Past leads the Asaba people to war.

ODOGWU

The ODOGWU works hand in hand with the Iyase of Asaba to protect the town against foreign invasion in the past. The Iyase and the Odogwu titles rotate among the 5 villages and are held for life.

OMU

The Omu of Asaba is Essentially the First Lady of Asaba. She is a forthright Native Orator and the Mother- General to all Asabans. She has the full responsibility over all markets in Asaba.

OLOTO

The Oloto of Asaba is the head of the powerful "OTURAZA" of Asaba, which in turn is the ruling council. Oloto is responsible for the 3 villages of "Onne"

ONOI

The Onoi is the counterpart of the Oloto in the two Villages of Ummunne (umuagu and Ugbomanta)

OGBUU

Ogbuu title is a non-age restricting title and used to be awarded to distinguished warriors of Asaba

"Once in a lifetime, we are given a mother of our own, and for some it can be the most powerful relationship that you will ever have, and she is the most special person in your heart." (Prince Charles Jiduwah 2007)

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER ............... CHIEF (MRS) MARIA JIDUWAH.... ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY

My mom taught me the meaning of love, she taught me to serve others when I'm feeling selfish. Whenever I went out in the public, she said, "Remember who you are, and who Heavenly Father wants you to be." She taught me the values of life. She taught me how to say "I love you," frequently but not casually. My mom's the best!

She always say If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. They'll wash clean."
"Work before play." "You can if you think you can!" "Keep your chin up. It's not the end of the world."

My draling mother will say
"Life isn't always fair."
"Never lie, cheat, or steal."
"Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it."
"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

My mother is the most special person in the world! She raised six children by herself. Her children ALWAYS came first. She taught all of us to be compassionate, loving and to always be the best we could be. I still remember when I was finishing high school my mother advised me these few things the night I was leaving my town for college abroad. She sat beside me held my hand and gently kissed my forehead and told me:

"If you wish to succeed in this world you have to remember that you have to give in order to receive, you have to make love and not war, and it is always better to part with someone as friends and not as an enemy, in the end she told me if you want something badly enough and you work hard for it there is nothing in this world that can stop you from getting it." I am so proud of what my mom accomplished

AT 70 I PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU MANY YEARS MORE.

With all my love to you MOTHER!

Your son
Charles Jiduwah (Prince)

Azikiwe, Nnamdi





Brother Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe




Men are not alike in capacity or in character. People who work hard are reasonably praised and respected. Some men are endowed with energy and imaginative wisdom that they distinguish them from others. One such person is Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Many call him an outstanding statesman, a top-notch intellect, a self-sacrificing saint, who will die in defense of Africa. Others call him a hair-lifting orator who brings people to the brink of hysteria. Some recognize him as being the father of Nigerian nationalism and others see him as a talented athlete.

Governor-General Nnamdi Azikiwe was born fifty-nine years ago in the town of Ontisha, in Northern Nigeria. Educated in his native town and in Calabar and Lagos, Dr. Azikiwe displayed his capacity for leadership and ability to learn very.

Dr. Azikiwe studied for nine years in the U.S.A. Yet, nothing came easily for him. First and foremost, there were the numerous problems of Nigeria; problems that he could not have changed with a mere stroke of the pen. Secondly, the lack of fund to finance his studies used to worry him. Nevertheless, he carried his problems with dignity and courage.

Governor-General Azikiwe studied in Storer College, Howard, Lincoln, Pennsylvania and Columbia universities. He has degrees in Philosophy, Anthropology, History, and Political Science. For sometime, he was also an instructor in History and Political Science at Lincoln University.

As a journalist of a considerable reputation, he established a chain of newspapers in Ghana and Nigeria. His newspapers, like the African Morning Post and the West African Pilot, inspired nationalism in West Africa at large. The result, needless to say, proved exactly what he expected.

As a scholar, he wrote a number of books such as "Liberia in World Politics," "Political Blueprint of Nigeria", "Economic Reconstruction of Nigeria" and "Renascent Africa".

In his book "Renascent Africa", among other things, he speaks of "the flowering of Ethiopia in antiquity and of Songhai in the Middle Ages", "of the slave trade and the devil of imperialism that contributed a lot to holding the African to the point of status quo."

As a politician first, and a statesman second, he was a member of the Executive of the Nigerian Youth Movement, Organizer of the Nigerian Reconstruction Group, President of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon, leader of the opposition in Western Nigeria's Assembly, Premier of Eastern Nigeria, and President of the Federal Senate. And today, he is not only Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria, but also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President of the Lagos Football Association and the Nigerian Amateur Athletic Association.

He often says, "Selfish men cannot build lasting unity. Morally defeated men, motivated by self aggrandizement cannot rise above self interest."

Having the intellect, the drive and almost a legendary prestige among his countrymen, one can only wish him the age and the well being in the role he plays to Nigeria's growing maturity