Dr Alfred Semenitari Abam (Ado IX), Amanyanabo (King) of Okrika, the author of this book, was born into the Ado/Aku sub-unit within the Abam-Ado Royal family of the Ado House, Okrika. His parents were Semenitari Joshua Kienka Abam and Oruene Janet Abam (both late). He is my elder brother. His early upbringing being in the fishing tradition of his people, he possesses the socio-cultural traits and the humble manners, typical of the Okrika fisherman at the time. He also imbibed not only their healthy interests, but also learnt every lesson the hardship and adversity the fishing pre-occupation had to teach.
Alfred attended the Okrika Grammar school where he was appointed the Head Boy of the school in his final year. At school, he used common sense to endear himself to his fellow students, taking part in student fellowships. He was a member of the Students Christian Movement (SCM), and also of the Dramatic Society. He took part also in sporting activities, having flair for aquatic sports. With steadfast physical exercises at school, he maintained a healthy body frame and an elegance of mind.
My brother undertook his official duties as Senior Prefect with prudence; and his general conduct was exemplary. And even though he was not infallible (and could make mistakes) he, as much as possible, avoided indiscretions, believing that bad judgment could leave emotional scars and create problems that might affect the rest of one’s life. In the testimonial given him at the end of his College education, the Principal described him as being not only “highly responsible and dutiful,” but also as “a very capable and efficient Senior Prefect” and “a Leader of men.”
Higher Institutions of learning he attended included the University of Ibadan; the Institute of Public Administration, University of lfe (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife); the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London; the University of Lagos; and the Central Officials Training Institute, Seoul, South Korea. His intellectual background is therefore solid. That he has written several books and doing so with depth and colour, is an evident testimony of it.
According to the Beacon Newspaper: my brother’s “academic interests vary. He is a voracious reader and likes the intellectual tastes of John Stuart Mill. He is a Shakespearean in Literature, a Keynesian in Economics, and enjoys the Works of Gibbon in History.” And I know too well that he thinks, and strongly believes that there is no corpus of knowledge more precious or more important than the Bible. And so, he also takes much delight in reading it, one of his favourite parts being the Epistles of St. Paul the Apostle, especially, the Epistle to the Romans, believing without question, that God accepts people freely as they respond to his grace and implant in their hearts, the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Dr Alfred Semenitari Abam has been an honest, diligent and indefatigable worker with an outstanding career record in the Federal Civil Service. He worked in various ministries, Departments and Commissions including the Federal Tenders Board; the Department of Customs and Excise; the Budget Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Development; the Cabinet Secretariat of the Cabinet Office; the Federal Civil Service Commission; the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; and the Federal Ministry of Health. Anywhere he was posted to work, he always performed his duties with the spirit of an apostle. And when he retired from the Federal Civil Service as a Director-General (Permanent Secretary) his career was described by the Federal Government as being “Unblemish”.
After his retirement from the Federal Civil Service he was again given a Federal Political appointment as a Commissioner in the Revenue Commission, representing the Rivers State in that Commission. There, he brought to bear on the job, his experience and expertise in Pubic Finance. But he left on his own volition after a term in office. For indeed, at a point in time, one hopes to find oneself fulfilled, though still blazing with energy and drive, yet waiting to see when the usual struggles that sap people’s emotion will subside, if they will. And of course, in such, the deciding factor is not how high the salary level, not even how lofty the position, but age. Yes, age which brings experience; and which in turn, tempers life itself.
All in all, it appears as though fate were preparing my elder brother to be what he is today. In his various responsibilities, respective disciplines of study, and many cares, personal and impersonal, he gathered tremendous experience that formed within him a broad, sensitive and adequate understanding of life around him. As an experienced man, he is never daunted when problems beset him or in the face of ominous circumstances; and is resilient in adversity.
And as it is usually said, one’s true character becomes apparent under adversity. Indeed, that old saying acquired true meaning with respect to my brother. Of course, Alfred is generally calm, even in crisis, and, unlike me, very hardly given to temper nor ever assailed by rage. He realizes that anger is a destructive emotional response to issues, and so, he exhibits good manners no matter how odd or difficult the times. Besides, he stands strong against overpowering challenges, and courageous in the midst of intimidating situations.
However, what he cannot stand is injustice against a fellow being. To him people matter more than causes. For him, the loftiest policies and causes exist for the sake of people, and he honestly believes that to sacrifice people for such, is a perversion of divine order. As it were, he pursues his happiness by promoting that of others. And he always thanks God, if for no other thing, at least for giving him a cheerful heart to taste with joy the good gifts which the Almighty in His bounteous mercy has endowed upon humankind.
In Community affairs Dr Alfred Semenitari Abam shines out like a bright star, and is highly respected. He has a genial disposition, and maintains not only a self discipline but also a high sense of personal integrity at all times. Apart from being benevolent, he is a man given to philanthropy and goodwill towards others. His talent and ability infusing with his general decorum, have distilled themselves to give him a personal aura visibly observed and admitted even by opponents.
In 1980, the Abam-Ado Royal War-Canoe House unanimously elected him Chief and Head of the House. After his installation by the Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Sir S.P.U. Ogan (AdoViii) then the Amanyanabo of Okrika, specially congratulated him and blessed him as a worthy son of the Ado Royal family in particular, and of Okrika etc in general. He was later made Justice of the Peace by the Rivers State Government. In his position as Chief, he and the members of the Abam-Ado House appeared to have had an absolute Community of aims. Beyond anything, they wanted to make a success, and did make a success of the administration of the House.
Paradoxically, his views are progressive and modern and his inclination toward social reform, preferring discussions in which sentiments would not unduly interfere with intellect; whereas the circumstances of his birth point to the contrary direction, having been born into a royal family that has been made conservative by tradition. And as it turned out, he has been installed as the Amanyanabo of Okrika, the traditional ruler of the Okrika people and the custodian of their traditions. Even so, he is not a square peg in a round hole. Enlightened and knowledgeable rulers like him have always been resourceful, and invented ways to achieve success, and their prudence makes their undertakings safe, salutary, and of immense benefit to their people in general. And indeed, as a traditional ruler, he is magnanimous and follows the course of hospitality. He has a sympathetic ear; and listens humbly to advice. He is tolerant and compassionate to the unfortunate, discharging his traditional duties with confidence together with the aura of royalty and the prestige of legitimacy that charms the citizenry.
Critics who have the appetite and talent for intrigue in their blood, and those who grouped themselves in hostile antagonism constantly scheming to thwart every effort towards peace and reconciliation, say that my brother is faced with a disputed succession to the Amanyanabo throne of Okrika. But then, so were his two predecessors; disputed secessions have, since 1959 till date, trailed that stool. So long as each side maintained its ground, so long did they head for a clash which eventually occurred, and inflicted so much casualties. But, of course, who fell in the conflict was largely the sport of chance. Even so, my brother being a historian, knows that if history furnishes precedents, it also utters warnings; and in this case, that succession to the Amanyanabo stool of Okrika has been the occasion for faction and turbulence.
And in any place where intrigue dwelt in every corridor, slander would become the staple of conversation. And opponents were using their propaganda machinery during the crisis in Okrika, to try to change the complexion of the volatile situation at the time, in order to make it appear as if his chances were far less favourable. But he was able to stand in the centre of the storm; and by a combination of fortune, grit and/or resilience, what they thought would be a retreat was not simply averted, it was converted. I sincerely believe too that eventually, their huge edifice of falsehood and deceit dished out for long in Okrika and in the press, will crash out, having since been teetering on the brink of collapse. At present there is litigation over the issue of succession. I cannot therefore, comment on it because it is subjudice.
There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that people who try to discover fault even where there is none, will find to their discomfiture that the Amanyanabo does not involve himself in any politics of attrition, He has not got the kind of mind for quarrel. No, never. And, God has given him a conciliatory spirit, and has kept his reputation safe from the attempts of those who were hell-bent to ruin it. At any rate, nothing is so dear to him as the hearty love and goodwill of his Okrika people who generally reverenced monarchy, and appreciate the importance of decency and order.
He may, by malicious tongues, not be well reported; but in truth, Alfred has no spot of any evil intent against any one whatsoever. Those who know him well can always and at all times, attest to it. Any one, friend or opponent, kinsman or stranger, who comes in touch with him, gradually feels the depth and beauty of his character, a brotherly love for his fellow beings; a generous attitude of “live and let’s live”; and a deep unconscious purity of heart which seems to guide him at all times. It is, of course, very characteristic of him to be always mindful of the feelings of others, and scrupulously guides his words while speaking, doing so with utmost discretion. He endeavours to see the good in others and encourages them to bring out the best in them.
Psychologically, my brother never loses hope nor allows others to do so. If he cannot mould favourable circumstances, he will with absolute trust in God, patiently wait for them; for he fervently believes that ‘unlike humans, God takes account of all our circumstances, as well as our background details that are often hidden from the eyes of others’. Such an attitude appears to be a beautiful blend of reasoning and faith. And more often than not, events have proved him right. Besides, he always examines the innate springs of human conscience through his social studies. No doubt, he has that personal understanding of fellow beings that leaps beyond empirical data, and of course, he applies the logic of rational analysis in all his discussions.
I cannot conclude writing about my brother without mentioning that he holds his Alma Mater, OGS, in the highest esteem, and does not hide the fact that it has a claim to his affection. By December 2006, in an address he delivered at the gathering of some OGS Old Boys in Port Harcourt, he admonished inter alias: “As Old Boys, we all owe a duty towards the Okrika Grammar school, our bounteous mother that fostered us early in life. The actions and events of our school days as youths, which now lie like fair pictures in the air, ought to be matters of our calmest recollection.
I am not here to magnify by any fictitious exaggeration, the benefits we derived from that school, nor am I to diminish the glory it has truly earned. But to some of us, the Okrika Grammar School was a world of its own. No environment is more conducive to learning, none more unique and impressive. What we learnt by inspired strategy and by the scholarly qualities of the principals and staff, served as the keys which unlocked our thoughts, dissipated our fears of the future, and expanded our views and visions of life. As a Christian School, it taught us not only to have the fear of God in whatever we do, but also to be confident in our life and faith in God through Jesus Christ.”
Indeed, my brother is a devout Christian and was confirmed by Bishop E.T Dimeari in 1957. Another impressive aspect of his Christian life is his spiritual routine, what I should describe as his habit of private worship of Jehovah at his home. He does it regularly (not a hit-or-miss approach), and urges family members to be doing so also for God’s guidance and strength. He usually refers to Daniel 16:6 which states that “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee,” for indeed, God is a fortress in which to dwell that cannot be moved or penetrated. For leisure, after working hours, my brother used to relax at the tennis court, watching or playing with relish. He also tries his fingers as an amateur on the key board, playing sacred music. Those close to him know him for this; and he is a life-patron of the choir of St Peter’s Cathedral, Okilka.
Finally, it has to be put on record that my brother, His Gracious Majesty, Dr. A.S. Abam (Ado IX), Amanyanabo of Okrika, is the moving spirit behind the visible progress and physical development (including the building of the New Church) in Abam Ama. It is indeed a feat to move it from near obscurity to this present level. And for everything therefore, we thank the Most merciful and Mighty Father of all mankind, the Fountain of all wisdom, Perfect in power, love and purity, and ask Him to graciously grant that we continue to serve and please Him in newness of life, to the honour and glory of His name through Jesus Christ His Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end. Amen.
By Anderson Semenitari Bamson JP
