Did you know that Imo State, Nigeria, has been governed by just 16 individuals since its creation in 1976? This guide looks at the tenures of these governors, both military and civilian, highlighting their political affiliations and the eras they led.
We’ll also delve deeper into the legacies of specific figures, including Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, the first democratically elected governor, and Hope Uzodinma, the current governor who took office in 2020.
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Ebonyi State (1996-Present)
Complete List Of Past And Current Governors Of Imo State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Ndubuisi Kanu | Mar 1976 | 1977 | Military |
Adekunle Lawal | 1977 | Jul 1978 | Military |
Sunday Ajibade Adenihun | Jul 1978 | Oct 1979 | Military |
Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe | 1 Oct 1979 | 31 Dec 1983 | NPP |
Ike Nwachukwu | Jan 1984 | Aug 1985 | Military |
Allison Amakoduna Madueke | Aug 1985 | 1986 | Military |
Amadi Ikwechegh | 1986 | 1990 | Military |
Anthony E. Oguguo | Aug 1990 | Jan 1992 | Military |
Evan Enwerem | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 | NRC |
James N.J. Aneke | 9 Dec 1993 | 22 Aug 1996 | Military |
Tanko Zubairu | 22 Aug 1996 | May 1999 | Military |
Achike Udenwa | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Ikedi G. Ohakim | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2011 | PPA / PDP |
Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha | 29 May 2011 | 29 May 2019 | APC |
Emeka Ihedioha | 29 May 2019 | 15 January 2020 | PDP |
Hope Uzodinma | 15 January 2020 | Incumbent | APC |
Who Was The First Democratic Governor Of Imo State?
The first democratic governor of Imo State was Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, also known as Dee Sam, having held the office from October 1, 1979, until December 31, 1983. Mbakwe was a prominent Igbo politician known for his contributions to the development of Imo State.
Born in 1929 in Avutu, British Nigeria, Mbakwe attended St Peter’s Primary School, Umulogho, before furthering his studies at Teachers Training College, Oleh, Isoko, and Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone.
He later pursued higher education in England, attending the University of Manchester, the University of Hull, and the school run by the Inns of Court.
Mbakwe’s political career began as an administrator of Okigwe Province in the Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War. Then he joined the Constituent Assembly in 1978 and was elected governor of Imo State in 1979.
During his tenure as governor, Mbakwe prioritized infrastructure development, particularly focusing on improving the state’s roads.
Despite facing challenges and interruptions, including a military coup in 1983, Mbakwe remained committed to serving the people of Imo State.
Mbakwe earned the nickname “the weeping governor” for his emotional response to the plight of his people. He was known for shedding tears while advocating for federal attention to issues affecting Imo State, such as the Ndiegoro flood in Aba.
Who Was The Seventh Governor Of Imo State?
The seventh governor of Imo State was Amadi Ikwechegh. He served as the military governor from August 29, 1986, to September 2, 1989, during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Ikwechegh attended Township School in Aba and the Nigerian Military School in Zaria from 1963 to 1966. Later, he studied at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, where he was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1974.
Ikwechegh continued his education abroad, attending the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England, the Royal Hydrographic School in Australia, and the Naval School of Oceanography in the USA. Also, he earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
During his naval career, Ikwechegh held various positions, including Military Port Commandant of Lagos Port, Hydrographer of the Navy, and Director of Naval Intelligence.
He also commanded several naval vessels and served as Commander of the Navy’s operational bases in Okemini, Anansa, and Olokun.
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Anambra State (1976-Present)
Who Is The Current Governor Of Imo State?
The current governor of Imo State is Hope Uzodimma, who officially assumed office on January 15, 2020, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared him the duly elected governor.
Before this, in March 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the results of the governorship election in Imo State, with Uzodimma initially placing fourth.
However, he contested the results up to the Supreme Court, which later declared him the rightful winner. Since taking office, Uzodimma has taken several actions to address the state’s financial situation.
He ordered the state’s accountant general to provide a comprehensive financial report covering the period from May 2010 to January 2020.
Also, he instructed all permanent secretaries to submit reports on awarded contracts, while halting payments for ongoing contracts.
In May 2023, Uzodimma emerged as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, replacing the former governor of Kebbi State. H
e also made important decisions in his bid for re-election, including selecting a new running mate for the November 2023 governorship election. However, criticisms have arisen regarding Uzodimma’s governance.
In September 2023, he made ambitious promises to facilitate the relocation of thousands of Imo State indigenes to Europe and Canada, which were later debunked by the European Union.
Additionally, a progress report in July 2023 highlighted challenges faced by the state under his leadership, including economic downturn, unemployment, and security issues.