Are you interested in learning about the leadership of Cross River State, Nigeria? This comprehensive list details the governors who have served the state since its creation in 1976. It provides information on their terms in office, political parties, and some key details about each governor.
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List Of Past And Current Governors In Cross River State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Paul Omu | 3 Feb 1976 | July 1978 | Military |
Babatunde Elegbede | July 1978 | Oct 1979 | Military |
Clement Isong | Oct 1979 | Oct 1983 | NPN |
Donald Etiebet | Oct 1983 | Dec 1983 | NPN |
Dan Archibong | May 1984 | 1986 | Military |
Eben Ibim Princewill | 1986 | Dec 1989 | Military |
Ernest Attah | Dec 1989 | Jan 1992 | Military |
Clement Ebri | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 | NRC |
Ibrahim Kefas | 9 Dec 1993 | 14 Sep 1994 | Military |
Gregory Agboneni | 14 Sep 1994 | 22 Aug 1996 | Military |
Umar Farouk Ahmed | 22 Aug 1996 | Aug 1998 | Military |
Christopher Osondu | Aug 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Donald Duke | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Liyel Imoke | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2015 | PDP |
Benedict Ayade | 29 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 | APC |
Bassey Otu | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent | APC |
Who Was The First Governor Of Cross River State?
The first governor of Cross River State, formerly known as South-Eastern State, Nigeria, was Paul Ufuoma Omu. He held this position from July 1975 to July 1978, during the military administrations of Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo.
Omu had an outstanding military career, joining the army in 1962 and rising to the rank of Major General before retiring in 1990. In addition to his role as governor, Omu served in different powers within the military, including as chairman of military tribunals and as a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council.
After retiring from the military, Omu continued to be active in public service and politics. He was the head of the South-South reconciliation committee of the People’s Democratic Party and chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.
Omu also served as the president general of the Isoko Development Union, representing the Isoko-speaking peoples of Delta State, Nigeria.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Cross River State?
The current governor of Cross River State, Southern Nigeria, is Bassey Edet Otu. He was born on October 18, 1959, and has been involved in Nigerian politics for a significant period.
Before assuming the role of governor, Otu served as a senator for Cross River South from 2011 to 2015 and as a representative of Calabar Municipal/Odukpani constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011.
Otu’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences from the University of Calabar. Previous to his political career, he worked in the banking and petroleum sectors and also ventured into farming.
During his time in the House of Representatives, Otu held significant positions, including Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Upstream).
He has also served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and other Financial Institutions during his tenure as a senator. In 2018, Otu was appointed to the board of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his inaugural speech in May 2023, Otu emphasized his commitment to politics as a means to serve humanity, indicating his dedication to the welfare of the people of Cross River State.
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Who Is The Current Deputy Governor Of Cross River State?
The current deputy governor of Cross River State is Peter Odey. He assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding Ivara Esu. Peter Odey was born on June 2, 1974, in Ogoja Local Government, Nigeria.
He is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. Before becoming deputy governor, Odey had a diverse educational background, including studies in sociology, international relations, and peace studies.
He also worked as a conflict adviser for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and had positions in various political and legislative roles, including serving as the leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
In 2023, he was selected as the running mate to Governor Bassey Otu for the gubernatorial elections, and they emerged victorious. Odey has been actively involved in legislative initiatives, sponsoring bills on sustainable development, education, and conflict resolution. Despite legal challenges to their victory, the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed their election in January 2024.