A Journey Through Akwa Ibom’s Leadership: Governors and Administrators Since 1987
This article offers a clear and detailed overview of the leaders who have served Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, since its establishment in 1987 up to the present day (May 20, 2025).
Table of Contents:
It covers the military administrators who led during the military regime, the elected governors who took charge after Nigeria’s return to democracy, and the state’s current leadership. The guide also highlights key points such as:
- Who was the first military administrator of Akwa Ibom?
- When did the state welcome its first elected governor?
- Who are the current governor and deputy governor?
Complete List of Akwa Ibom State Leaders: Past and Present
| Name | Title | Took office | Left office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunde Ogbeha | Administrator | 28 Sep 1987 | 30 Jul 1988 |
| Godwin Abbe | Administrator | 31 Jul 1988 | 5 Sep 1990 |
| Idongesit Nkanga | Administrator | 5 Sep 1990 | 2 Jan 1992 |
| Akpan Isemin | Governor | 2 Jan 1992 | 18 Nov 1993 |
| Yakubu Bako | Administrator | 15 Dec 1993 | 21 Aug 1996 |
| Joseph Adeusi | Administrator | 21 Aug 1996 | 9 Aug 1998 |
| John Ebiye | Administrator | 9 Aug 1998 | 29 May 1999 |
| Victor Attah | Governor | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 |
| Godswill Akpabio | Governor | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2015 |
| Udom Gabriel Emmanuel | Governor | 29 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 |
| Umo Bassey Eno | Governor | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent |
Who Was the First Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State?
Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha was the pioneer military administrator of Akwa Ibom State, serving from September 28, 1987, to July 30, 1988. Born on September 1, 1947, in Lokoja, Kogi State, Ogbeha built a notable career in the Nigerian military before transitioning into politics.
He trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Zaria and attended specialized leadership and strategy courses. During his military service, Ogbeha played key roles in significant political transitions in Nigeria, including government changes in 1983 and 1985.
After retiring, he entered politics, serving as a senator for Kogi State from 1999 to 2007, where he worked to improve his community. Later, he contributed to regional development by serving on boards like the Niger Delta Development Commission and a Kogi State broadcasting initiative.
Who Are the Current Governor and Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State?
The current governor of Akwa Ibom State is Umo Bassey Eno, with Akon Eyakenyi as his deputy governor. Both bring diverse experiences that help them lead effectively. Governor Umo Eno began his career as a pastor, founding a church, and later worked in the Akwa Ibom government, focusing on land and water management.
His efforts supported infrastructure development and agricultural growth. In 2023, he won the gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, a former lawyer, previously served as a representative in the state government. In 2023, she joined Umo Eno as his running mate to serve as deputy governor.
Who Was the First Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State?
Etim Jack Okpoyo was the first deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, serving from January 2, 1992, to November 18, 1993. Born on September 23, 1943, in Urue-Offong/Oruko, Akwa Ibom, Okpoyo was a prominent politician of Oron descent, as well as a civil engineer, businessman, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Italy and Albania.
Before politics, Okpoyo worked as a survey party chief at Louis Berger Engineering Company and later with Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Port Harcourt, building expertise in the oil and gas sector. In 1992, he became the first civilian deputy governor alongside Governor Akpan Isemin under the National Republican Convention (NRC).
Okpoyo was also dedicated to community service, holding leadership roles in the Oro nation and as a Rotarian. His contributions to the church earned him the title of Knight of John Wesley (KJW) from the Archdiocese of Calabar.
Who Was the First Female Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State?
Valerie Maurice Ebe holds the distinction of being Akwa Ibom’s first female deputy governor. Born on March 26, 1947, in the Etoi Clan to a respected family, Ebe pursued extensive education. She attended Holy Child Primary and Secondary Schools in Calabar, trained as a teacher at Holy Child Teacher Training College in Ifuho, and later studied History and Archaeology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She also earned a law degree from the University of Uyo, becoming a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1998.
