This thorough resource details the history of governorship in Plateau State, Nigeria, since 1976. It provides a complete list of both military governors and elected civilian leaders who have guided the state through different periods.
In case you’re a resident, researcher, or simply interested in Nigerian politics, this information offers a valuable look at Plateau State’s governmental history.
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Complete List Of Past And Current Governors Of Plateau State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Joseph Gomwalk | 1966 | July 1975 | Military |
Abdullahi Mohammed | July 1975 | February 1976 | Military |
Dan Suleiman | March 1976 | July 1978 | Military |
Joshua Anaja | July 1978 | October 1979 | Military |
Solomon Lar | October 1979 | December 1983 | NPP |
Samuel Atukum | January 1984 | August 1985 | Military |
Chris Alli | August 1985 | 1986 | Military |
Lawrence Onoja | 1986 | July 1988 | Military |
Aliyu Kama | July 1988 | August 1990 | Military |
Joshua Madaki | August 1990 | January 1992 | Military |
Fidelis Tapgun | January 1992 | November 1993 | SDP |
Mohammed Mana | 9 December 1993 | 22 August 1996 | Military |
Habibu Idris Shuaibu | 22 August 1996 | August 1998 | Military |
Musa Shehu | August 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Joshua Dariye | 29 May 1999 | 18 May 2004 | PDP |
Chris Alli | 18 May 2004 | 18 November 2004 | Interim |
Joshua Dariye | 18 November 2004 | 13 November 2006 | PDP |
Michael Botmang | 13 November 2006 | 27 April 2007 | PDP |
Joshua Dariye | 27 April 2007 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Jonah David Jang | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2015 | PDP |
Simon Bako Lalong | 29 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 | APC |
Caleb Mutfwang | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent | PDP |
Who Was The First Military Governor Of Plateau State?
Joseph Dechi Gomwalk was the first military governor of Benue-Plateau State, which later became Plateau State. He took charge in 1967 and worked until 1975.
Gomwalk was a police officer in Nigeria before becoming a governor. He was born on April 13, 1935, in Kanke, Nigeria, and sadly died on May 15, 1976, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Gomwalk went to Boys’ Secondary School Gindiri and then to the University of Ibadan, where he studied animals. While he was leader, Gomwalk started the Nigerian Standard newspaper in 1972.
It is still a government newspaper located in Jos. He also helped to bring a branch of the University of Ibadan to Jos which later became the University of Jos. However, Gomwalk had some problems during his time as governor.
In 1974, there were claims that he and another leader were doing things that were not right. The other leader left his role, but Gomwalk stayed because the head leader, Yakubu Gowon, supported him.
Sadly, Gomwalk’s life ended. He was said to be involved in a group that tried to take over the government in 1976. Because of this, he was killed by a group of soldiers on May 15, 1976.
Even though there were difficulties during his time, Joseph Gomwalk’s time as the first governor of Plateau State is still important in the history of the state.
Who Is The First Civilian Governor Of Plateau State?
Solomon Daushep Lar was the first civilian governor of Plateau State in Nigeria. He was born on April 4, 1933, in Langtang, Plateau State. Solomon had a long and outstanding political career.
Lar was a member of the Federal Parliament from January 1960 to January 1966, representing the Lowland East constituency. He was later appointed as the Minister of Police Affairs during the Nigerian Third Republic.
In 1979, during the Nigerian Second Republic, Lar was elected as the governor of Plateau State on the platform of the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP).
His election was the beginning of civilian rule in Plateau State after years of military administration. As governor, Lar focused on developing the state’s infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, roads, and water supplies.
He also implemented reforms to improve state employment laws, such as paid maternity leave for nursing mothers. However, Lar’s tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 1983, which brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
Although Lar was not found guilty of any wrongdoing, he was sentenced to 88 years in prison by military tribunals. He was later released by the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, who initiated another transition to democracy in 1992.
In the transition to the Nigerian Fourth Republic, Lar played a key role in the formation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He was the party’s first National Chairman from 1998 to 2002. Lar remained influential in Nigerian politics until his death on October 9, 2013, at the age of 80.
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Who Is The Current Governor Of Plateau State?
The current governor of Plateau State is Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, having assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding Simon Lalong.
Mutfwang, born on March 12, 1965, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He served as the Chairman of the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Caleb Manasseh was born in Wussasa, Zaria, and had his primary education at LEA Primary School Ampang-West, Mangu LGA, from 1973 to 1977.
He later attended Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, graduating in 1982. Mutfwang furthered his education at the University of Jos from 1984 to 1988, where he studied law.
Then, he attended the Nigerian Law School, qualifying as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court on December 14, 1989.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Kaduna State, Mutfwang was elected as the President of the Nigerian Christian Corps’ Fellowship. His dedication to service and leadership qualities were clear from an early stage in his career.
However, as governor, Mutfwang has been tasked with overseeing the affairs of Plateau State and implementing policies to improve the lives of its residents.
His tenure is expected to focus on addressing various challenges facing the state, including security issues and infrastructure development.
Mutfwang’s background in law and his experience in local government administration position him well to lead Plateau State effectively. With his leadership, Plateau State looks forward to continued progress and development under his stewardship.