This guide provides a comprehensive resource on the leadership of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, since its creation in 1996. It details the five governors who have served the state, including the first civilian governor and the most recent change in leadership. The information dives into each governor’s tenure, political party affiliation, and deputies.
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List Of Past And Current Governors Of Ebonyi State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Walter Feghabo | 7 October 1996 | August 1998 | Military |
Simeon Oduoye | August 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Sam Egwu | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Martin Elechi | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2015 | PDP |
Dave Umahi | 29 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 | PDP |
Francis Nwifuru | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent | APC |
How Many Governors Have Ruled Ebonyi State?
In Ebonyi State, five governors have led the state since its creation. The first governor was Sam Egwu, who served from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
He was succeeded by Martin Elechi, who governed from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015. After Elechi, Dave Umahi took over as governor on May 29, 2015. Umahi served for two terms until May 29, 2023.
Then, Dave Umahi switched parties during his second term, moving from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2021.
Despite this change, he continued his tenure as governor until the end of his second term. Following Umahi’s tenure, Francis Nwifuru assumed office as the incumbent governor of Ebonyi State on May 29, 2023.
Thus, in total, there have been five governors who have ruled Ebonyi State since its inception. Each governor has contributed to the development and governance of the state during their respective terms in office.
Who Was The First Governor In Ebonyi State?
The first governor of Ebonyi State is Sam Ominyi Egwu. Born on June 20, 1954, Egwu is a Nigerian politician and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria. He served as Governor of Ebonyi State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.
Egwu is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the educational development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a whole. His educational background is impressive.
He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1981. Then, he pursued further studies at the same university, obtaining a master’s degree in Agriculture in 1987.
In 1996, he obtained a Doctorate in Agronomy from the Enugu State University of Technology. Before his tenure as governor, Egwu was a senior lecturer at Enugu State University of Technology.
His passion for education led him to serve as the commissioner for education in Ebonyi State, where he played a crucial role in advancing the educational sector.
In 2008, Egwu was appointed as Minister of Education by President Umaru Yar’Adua, a position he held until April 2010.
During his time as minister, Egwu faced challenges, including strikes by university unions such as ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities), leading to public outcry and demands for his removal from office.
In 2015, he successfully contested the senatorial seat for Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone under the platform of the PDP. Currently, he serves as the Senate committee chairman on industry.
Egwu hails from Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State and has received several awards and honors for his contributions, including being appointed as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
He has also been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
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Who Was The Former Deputy Governor Of Ebonyi State?
Eric Kelechi Igwe was the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. He’s a Nigerian lawyer and politician, born in Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State.
Igwe worked alongside Governor Dave Umahi during their time in office. However, on March 8, 2022, Igwe and Governor Umahi faced a big problem.
They were both told to leave their jobs by the Federal High Court in Abuja. This happened because they joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still working for the government.
The court said this was against the rules, so they couldn’t keep their jobs. The court also said that the votes they got in the election belonged to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
When they left the PDP, they lost the right to be in charge. After this decision, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had to pick someone else to run for governor. Or, they could do a new election in Ebonyi State.
Even though he had to leave his job early, Eric Kelechi Igwe’s time as Deputy Governor helped the state. His work as a lawyer and in politics made a difference in Ebonyi State.