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Top Best Former Governors In Nigeria (2023)
In this article, RNN presents a list of the best former governors in Nigeria who excelled in their roles. This list highlights their remarkable achievements in office and their positive contributions to their states. Let’s explore the accomplishments of these exceptional leaders who continue to have a significant impact beyond their governorship terms.
3. Nyesom Wike — Rivers State
Wike, an ex-governor of Nigeria, stands out as one of the best former governors in Nigeria. Despite his controversial personality, he made significant contributions to education by making public primary and secondary schooling free across the state. He also undertook extensive infrastructure development.
The preceding governor’s inability to pay salaries/pensions and failure to fulfill obligations to the industrial sector led to economic stagnation. The economy came to a halt, causing widespread concern. Wike’s tenure as governor, starting in 2015, brought about positive changes.
Upon assuming office, Wike launched initiatives to revive the economy and attract businesses He enhanced the buying capacity of the lower part of society by introducing multiple loan packages for various groups. These included a monthly N200 million revolving loan for civil servants, a monthly N200 million interest-free loan for businesspeople and young entrepreneurs, N500 million to promote private healthcare involvement, N500 million in grants for market women groups, and additional packages for various other groups. He focused on road repairs, including Operation Zero Porthole to fix potholes. His efforts facilitated the smoother movement of goods and services.
Wike’s actions resolved numerous challenges faced by businesses. Traffic issues, security concerns, and inconveniences for trucks and banks were addressed. His policies empowered the lower segments of society through loan programs, benefiting civil servants, entrepreneurs, and healthcare providers. Wike’s impact on Rivers State is undeniable.
2. David Nweze Umahi — Ebonyi State
David Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi State (2015-2023), ranks second among Nigeria’s top ex-governors due to impressive achievements. His administration transformed the state by constructing 17 flyovers and over 20 roads in Abakaliki, significantly improving its infrastructure. Before Umahi’s tenure, Abakaliki lacked amenities and road networks, but his leadership changed that.
Umahi’s commitment to industrialization was evident through the creation of three industrial clusters focusing on agriculture, technology, and human empowerment across the state’s senatorial zones. His engineering background influenced the use of innovative construction techniques, including 8-inch concrete roads, new parks, markets, and improved streets. Pedestrian crossings, flyovers, street lights, and water fountains further elevated Ebonyi’s status as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economies.
Youth and widow empowerment programs flourished, turning many former street youths into employers of labor during his tenure. Notable completed projects include multiple flyover bridges, road constructions, and bridge enhancements, significantly boosting the state’s infrastructure.
1. Sullivan Iheanacho Chime — Enugu State
Sullivan Chime top the list of best former governors in Nigeria. He is renowned for his active pursuit of a four-point development agenda during his time as governor of Enugu State. He prioritized infrastructure development, significantly improving roads in both urban and rural areas. His administration upgraded roads with quality construction, including street lights, drainage, and pedestrian sidewalks.
Chime, a member of the People’s Democratic Party, served as governor from May 2007 and won reelection in April 2011. He still receives praise today for his urban renewal efforts in Enugu, as he transformed the city’s appearance and expanded major roads.
The roads constructed were modernized with road furniture like signs, markings, and bus shelters. His “Light Up Enugu” initiative made the city the leader in street lighting. During his tenure, his administration constructed over 1,159 kilometers of roads, with both local governments and the state government contributing to this effort. His government provided sites and services like roads (59 kilometers of asphalted), drainages (111 kilometers), streetlights, walkways, electricity (38 transformers), water reticulation, and many other things.
Chime also made significant contributions to the housing sector, developing twenty-four housing estates with essential amenities. Notably, he upgraded public buildings and initiated a modern diagnostic center in Enugu, named after a local medical pioneer. He also improved the state’s teaching hospital and implemented a district health system, hiring 1,000 health officers and renovating and constructing health centers.
Sullivan Chime’s achievements as governor of Enugu State are remembered and appreciated by many.
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