Idoma Sons Who Led Nigerian States: Unveiling the Legacy of Military Governors

By Ameh Godwin, with additional contributions from Andy Obeya and Colonel John I. Ubah

Many may not know, but the Idoma community has produced several distinguished sons who served as military governors in various Nigerian states during different military regimes. Here’s a closer look at these notable figures who have shaped the leadership of states far beyond their Idoma roots.

1. Ernest Kizito Attah (Cross River State)
   Lt. Colonel Ernest Attah governed Cross River from December 1989 to January 1992 under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. Faced with severe financial mismanagement, Attah dissolved the entire state cabinet and launched probes to investigate his predecessor’s administration.

2. Colonel Anthony Ochefu (East Central State)
   The late Colonel Anthony Ochefu served as the military governor of East Central State from July 1975 to February 1976. His military career during the Nigerian Civil War included pivotal roles in the capture of strategic locations like Warri and Calabar. He played a significant role in the coup that ousted General Gowon in 1975 but was later dismissed after the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.

   

3. Colonel John I. Ubah (Kebbi State)
   Colonel John I. Ubah was the administrator of Kebbi State from 1996 to 1998 under General Sani Abacha. Known for his efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, Ubah also became a key political figure after his tenure, later contributing to poetry and literary works.

   

4. Major General Chris Abutu Garuba (Bauchi State)
   Serving as Bauchi’s governor from 1985 to 1988, Major General Garuba was instrumental in various infrastructural developments. His contributions included launching the Rural Transformation Programme, upgrading sports facilities, and founding the Bauchi State Polytechnic. Garuba was part of the 1985 coup that brought Babangida to power.

   

5. Brigadier General David Mark (Niger State)
   A prominent figure in Nigeria’s military history, Brigadier General David Mark served as the military governor of Niger State in 1984. Mark, now a prominent political figure, played an influential role in Nigerian politics, holding various significant roles even after his military tenure.

   

6. Major General Lawrence Anebi Onoja (Plateau/Katsina States)
   Onoja held military governor positions in both Plateau and Katsina States during General Ibrahim Babangida’s rule. His tenure in Plateau was marked by efforts to ease religious tensions, while in Katsina, he was respected for his honesty and integrity.

   

7. Colonel Mike Attah (Anambra State)
   Colonel Mike Attah served as the military administrator of Anambra State from 1993 to 1996. His tenure was defined by efforts to investigate civil disturbances and improve state infrastructure, including commissioning major building projects and offering grants for educational institutions.

8. Sunday Orinya Ifere (Kwara State)
   Born in 1943, Sunday Ifere was the military governor of Kwara State between 1978 and 1979. He played a part in the Nigerian Counter-Coup of 1966 before retiring as a major general. His brief tenure left a mark on the state’s military governance.

These sons of Idoma have not only contributed to their home communities but have also left a lasting legacy on the political landscape of Nigeria. Their leadership across diverse states is a testament to the depth of talent within the Idoma nation.

SOURCE CREDIT: IDOMA VOICE