In Nigerian politics, it’s not unusual for these in energy to depart workplace with extra than simply expertise they stroll away with huge fortunes that elevate questions on their time in workplace together with governors.
Whereas the concept of public service is supposed to be certainly one of selfless dedication to the folks, many former governors have as a substitute seen their wealth develop exponentially after leaving workplace.
This phenomenon of “cashing out” after energy has turn into an unlucky sample, leaving many Nigerians to marvel, how do these leaders amass such wealth, and why do they appear to get away with it?
Listed here are 5 Nigerian governors whose wealth has sparked controversy after they left workplace.
Orji Uzor Kalu – Abia State (1999–2007)
Earlier than changing into the governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu was already a businessman with a foothold in manufacturing and publishing. Nonetheless, after his tenure, his wealth surged dramatically, and by 2015, he was named certainly one of Forbes Africa’s prime 50 richest people, with an estimated internet value of $330 million.
His rising empire included The Solar newspapers, a serious publication in Nigeria, and a considerable actual property portfolio.
But, his time as governor was marred by accusations of corruption. In 2019, Kalu was convicted of embezzling over ₦7 billion from the state’s coffers, although the decision was later overturned.
The case left many questions unanswered about how a state that was arguably underdeveloped may very well be ruled by somebody whose private wealth grew at such a rare price.
James Ibori – Delta State (1999–2007)
James Ibori is among the most notorious examples of post-office wealth accumulation. After serving two phrases as governor of Delta State, Ibori was arrested in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the UK, the place he was convicted for cash laundering and fraud.
He had stolen almost £50 million of state funds, which he used to purchase luxurious properties, a personal jet, and a set of high-end automobiles.
In 2012, he was sentenced to 13 years in jail, a punishment that highlighted the sheer scale of his corruption. Nonetheless, the case serves as a chilling reminder of how deeply corruption can run in Nigerian politics, with many asking why such a rich man might preside over a state that continues to be impoverished to this present day.
Godswill Akpabio – Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015)
Godswill Akpabio, as soon as identified for his bold “Unusual Transformation” agenda, turned his time as governor right into a springboard for private wealth. Akpabio’s administration was marked by heavy infrastructural investments, however after leaving workplace, his personal monetary portfolio appeared to have undergone an “unusual transformation.”
The EFCC (Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee) has investigated Akpabio for alleged misappropriation of over ₦100 billion.
Though no convictions have been made, his sudden acquisition of luxurious properties in Abuja and Lagos continues to gasoline suspicions about how a person who as soon as ruled a state with restricted sources might purchase such wealth so quickly.
Rabiu Kwankwaso – Kano State (1999–2003, 2011–2015)
Rabiu Kwankwaso is a political powerhouse in Kano State, however his wealth accumulation after leaving workplace will not be with out controversy. Identified for his political affect and his institution of the Kwankwasiyya Basis, Kwankwaso’s post-office monetary progress has raised eyebrows.
In 2024, he was probed by the EFCC over an alleged ₦2.5 billion pension fraud, however no direct convictions have been made. His wealth, which incorporates investments in actual property and building, continues to develop, main many to query how a person who as soon as ruled a state fighting poverty might have amassed such a fortune.
Sullivan Chime – Enugu State (2007–2015)
Sullivan Chime, former governor of Enugu State, was praised for the infrastructural enhancements he made within the state.
Nonetheless, his monetary trajectory post-office has raised issues. Experiences surfaced that Chime had acquired multi-billion-naira properties in upscale areas of Lagos and Abuja, prompting questions concerning the supply of his newfound wealth.
As a former civil servant, Chime’s wealth appeared to develop disproportionally in comparison with his earnings earlier than taking workplace. Although he denies any wrongdoing, the sheer scale of his property has left many questioning if his fortune was influenced by his time in energy.
Why does this preserve occurring?
The sample of governors accumulating wealth after their tenure is one which appears to repeat itself time and again. However why does this proceed, regardless of the presence of watchdog businesses just like the EFCC and the Impartial Corrupt Practices Fee (ICPC)?
The basis of the issue lies in Nigeria’s weak methods of accountability. Investigations typically drag on for years, with many instances by no means resulting in convictions. Politicians typically exploit authorized loopholes, delaying justice or evading it altogether.
Even worse, the immunity clause in Nigeria’s structure shields sitting governors from prosecution, giving them free rein to build up wealth with little worry of penalties. By the point they go away workplace, a lot of the proof is buried, and witnesses disappear.
Because it stands as we speak, the query stays: will these patterns ever change? Or will the cycle of energy and wealth accumulation proceed, leaving the common citizen to foot the invoice for the lavish existence of those that govern them?
