A Bayelsa State-based author, Theresa Ebi Tobuyei, has launched a 287-page crime-thriller novel titled The Man Called Elizabeth Martins in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Tobuyei, who is also a legal practitioner, described the book as an exploration of what justice means to different individuals in society. It also raises questions about child abandonment while offering reflections on solutions to the recurring flood pandemic in Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking at the book presentation, which attracted legal luminaries and politicians in Yenagoa, Tobuyei—who also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of St. Theresa Magazine (STAM)—explained that the book examines the murky intersection of power, justice, and survival, providing insightful commentary on class and crime.
The event also featured the unveiling of a literary book tour to six higher institutions of learning by the St. Theresa Magazine Initiative (STAM). The selected universities span Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The tour seeks to encourage young people to cultivate a reading culture, with STAM pledging to supply copies of the book to participating institutions with the support of sponsors.
Amongst the distinguished guests at the event were the Chief of Staff to the Bayelsa State Governor, Pastor Peter Akpe; President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri; Special Adviser to the Governor on Domestic Affairs, John Sambo Esq; Member representing Nembe Constituency in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. George Braah-Okigbanyo; the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei represented by his Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, Elder Dakolo; Perepuighe Biewari, Commissioner for Lands; Mandy Sylvanus, Commissioner for Special Duties, Central and Hon. Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
In their goodwill messages, the dignitaries commended the author for her creativity and contributions to literature, urging Nigerians to embrace reading and writing as tools for promoting positive thinking among youths and elected officials.
Delivering his message, the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, who was ably represented by the Technical Adviser to the State Government, praised Tobuyei’s courage and vision.
He noted that the book was not only a literary success but also a social intervention that confronts society with the realities of justice, morality, and survival. He added that works like this help sharpen the minds of young people and inspire them to pursue knowledge and leadership with clarity.
The dinner patron, Dr. Apere Embelakpo Esq, Director General of the Bayelsa State Microfinance Bank and Enterprise Development Agency, also applauded Tobuyei for her literary courage and vision, describing her as an author whose works challenge society and inspire change.
In his remarks, the IYC President, Sir Lokpobiri, noted that to be a good leader, one must first be a good reader. “Through reading, you gain a clear understanding of issues and policies affecting the people,” he said.
Also speaking, Elizabeth Ijeh-Tarila Jack, founder of the Eduere Girls Support Organisation, praised the novel as “a bold and deliberate challenge to society,” describing it as a testament to resilience.
Similarly, the founder of the Do Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, commended Tobuyei as a visionary author producing thought-provoking works to inspire change.
Reviewing the book, Rowland Ofiyou, President of the Glory Land Book Club, described the lead character, Elizabeth Martins, as “a powerful and reasonable woman who pursued her dreams at all costs—legally or illegally.”
He added that “Elizabeth Martins is a force to reckon with, not only in the legal world but also in the political space. She is portrayed as powerful, reasonable, ruthless, and tough.”
Ofiyou noted that the book addresses themes such as crime, morality, legality, single parenting, family patterns, and societal contradictions. While it provides answers to many pressing questions, it also leaves readers pondering:
“•Did Elizabeth Martins really die?•Did Owei get justice?•Did his entanglement with Alaere produce a child?•Did he actualize his presidential ambitions?”
“These lingering questions,” he explained, “are intentional. The Man Called Elizabeth Martins is a third-generation novel, and like many of its kind, the author deliberately leaves certain mysteries to the reader’s imagination.”
He concluded by rating the book highly, “A good story is made up of characters, their desires, and their conflicts. The Man Called Elizabeth Martins is a 10/10 book with strong characters, desires, and conflicts that every human can relate to.”
