In Nigerian politics, it’s not unfamiliar for those in strength to proceed office with better than trusty journey they stroll away with huge fortunes that elevate questions about their time in office including governors.
While the foundation of public provider is supposed to be one of selfless dedication to the other folks, many faded governors absorb as a change seen their wealth develop exponentially after leaving office.
This phenomenon of “cashing out” after strength has change into an dusky sample, leaving many Nigerians to wonder, how accomplish these leaders amass such wealth, and why accomplish they look to safe away with it?
Here are 5 Nigerian governors whose wealth has sparked controversy after they left office.
Orji Uzor Kalu – Abia Inform (1999–2007)
Earlier than changing into the governor of Abia Inform, Orji Uzor Kalu used to be already a businessman with a foothold in manufacturing and publishing. On the other hand, after his tenure, his wealth surged dramatically, and by 2015, he used to be named one of Forbes Africa’s top 50 richest individuals, with an estimated discover rate of $330 million.
His rising empire included The Solar newspapers, a critical publication in Nigeria, and a appreciable valid estate portfolio.
But, his time as governor used to be marred by accusations of corruption. In 2019, Kalu used to be convicted of embezzling over ₦7 billion from the issue’s coffers, though the verdict used to be later overturned.
The case left many questions unanswered about how a issue that used to be arguably underdeveloped will be dominated by anyone whose deepest wealth grew at such an unparalleled rate.
James Ibori – Delta Inform (1999–2007)
James Ibori is one of essentially the most corrupt examples of publish-office wealth accumulation. After serving two phrases as governor of Delta Inform, Ibori used to be arrested in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the UK, where he used to be convicted for money laundering and fraud.
He had stolen practically £50 million of issue funds, which he frail to purchase luxurious properties, a deepest jet, and a series of excessive-close vehicles.
In 2012, he used to be sentenced to 13 years in prison, a punishment that highlighted the sheer scale of his corruption. On the other hand, the case serves as a chilling reminder of how deeply corruption can lag in Nigerian politics, with many asking why the kind of prosperous man could maybe maybe also preside over a issue that remains impoverished to at this time time.
Godswill Akpabio – Akwa Ibom Inform (2007–2015)
Godswill Akpabio, once known for his ambitious “Queer Transformation” agenda, change into his time as governor into a springboard for deepest wealth. Akpabio’s administration used to be marked by heavy infrastructural investments, nonetheless after leaving office, his absorb financial portfolio seemed as if it would absorb passed by arrangement of an “unfamiliar transformation.”
The EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) has investigated Akpabio for alleged misappropriation of over ₦100 billion.
Though no convictions were made, his sudden acquisition of luxurious properties in Abuja and Lagos continues to fuel suspicions about how a man who once dominated a issue with exiguous sources could maybe maybe also perform such wealth so swiftly.
Rabiu Kwankwaso – Kano Inform (1999–2003, 2011–2015)
Rabiu Kwankwaso is a political powerhouse in Kano Inform, nonetheless his wealth accumulation after leaving office isn’t very with out controversy. Identified for his political influence and his establishment of the Kwankwasiyya Foundation, Kwankwaso’s publish-office financial pronounce has raised eyebrows.
In 2024, he used to be probed by the EFCC over an alleged ₦2.5 billion pension fraud, nonetheless no instruct convictions were made. His wealth, which entails investments in valid estate and development, continues to develop, main many to build a query to how a man who once dominated a issue combating poverty could maybe maybe also absorb accrued the kind of fortune.
Sullivan Chime – Enugu Inform (2007–2015)
Sullivan Chime, faded governor of Enugu Inform, used to be praised for the infrastructural enhancements he made within the issue.
On the other hand, his financial trajectory publish-office has raised concerns. Experiences surfaced that Chime had got multi-billion-naira properties in upscale areas of Lagos and Abuja, prompting questions about the provision of his newfound wealth.
As a faded civil servant, Chime’s wealth seemed as if it would develop disproportionally when put next to his earnings before taking office. Though he denies any wrongdoing, the sheer scale of his assets has left many wondering if his fortune used to be influenced by his time in strength.
Why does this inspire going down?
The sample of governors accumulating wealth after their tenure is one that seems to repeat itself repeatedly. But why does this continue, despite the presence of watchdog agencies savor the EFCC and the Self sustaining Substandard Practices Commission (ICPC)?
The root of the assert lies in Nigeria’s weak programs of accountability. Investigations incessantly stride on for years, with many conditions never main to convictions. Politicians incessantly exploit ethical 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 acquire wealth with diminutive effort of consequences. By the point they proceed office, worthy of the proof is buried, and witnesses proceed.
As it stands lately, the build a query to remains: will these patterns ever commerce? Or will the cycle of strength and wealth accumulation continue, leaving the novel citizen to foot the bill for the lavish lifestyles of parents who govern them?
