President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted members of the 1999 Class of Governors at the State House, Abuja, in a symbolic reunion that celebrated their shared political journey at the inception of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
The delegation, led by former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, met with the President behind closed doors in what sources described as a warm and reflective engagement focused on national unity, good governance and continued contribution to democratic consolidation.
President Tinubu, who himself served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 under the banner of the now defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), expressed his pleasure at reconnecting with his former colleagues after more than two decades.
The meeting reportedly rekindled old political camaraderie among the former governors, many of whom remain active and influential in national affairs.
Discussions were said to have centred on how members of the class could continue to lend their experience to support Nigeria’s governance and nation-building efforts.
The 1999 class of governors is widely seen as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, having been the first set of elected state executives following the country’s transition from military rule.
Their tenure marked the beginning of the Fourth Republic, setting the tone for democratic governance after years of authoritarian military leadership.
Present at yesterday’s reunion were: Chief George Akume (Benue) who is the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Chief James Ibori (Delta); Chief Lucky Igbinedion (Edo);Obong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom);Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi) and Mr. Donald Duke (Cross River).
The rest were: Mr. Boni Haruna (Adamawa); Otunba Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti); Adamu Muazu (Bauchi);Ibrahim Saminu Turaki (Jigawa);and Mr. Jolly Nyame (Taraba).
