Asagba of Asaba lauds President Tinubu, seeks greater federal presence in Delta

By Kunle Sanni

The Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Professor Obi Epiphany Azinge, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating that despite some challenges, the President is on the right track in governing Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday after a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, the Delta monarch acknowledged the complexities of governing a diverse nation like Nigeria.

“There might be some hiccups, but on the whole, we score him highly in that regard and we pray for him,” Azinge said. “It is a very difficult country to govern. There will always be some criticisms here and there, but on the whole, I believe he is on the right track, and we wish him the very best.”

The Asagba of Asaba used the opportunity to advocate for greater federal presence in Delta State, particularly in the state capital, Asaba. He highlighted the absence of a federal university in the city, describing it as a major oversight.

“Asaba remains the only state capital in Nigeria without a federal university, and that for us is worrisome,” he stated.

The monarch also recalled the tragic 1967 Asaba massacre during the Nigerian Civil War, urging the federal government to acknowledge the historical injustice and offer a formal apology.

“We note with regret the massacre of Asaba people in 1967 and believe our people deserve some form of recognition and, if need be, an apology in that regard,” Azinge added.

During the visit, the Asaba royal delegation also expressed gratitude for ongoing federal projects in Delta State, including the access road to the Niger Bridge and the gas pipeline project passing through Asaba to Awka.

“This was also a thank-you visit. We appreciated the federal government’s gestures, including the road infrastructure leading to the Niger Bridge and the gas pipeline project,” the monarch said.