Abubakar Audu

Early Life and Background

Prince Abubakar Audu was born on October 27, 1947, in Ogbonicha, a serene community within the Ankpa Local Government Area of what is now Kogi State, Nigeria. He hailed from a distinguished royal lineage, his father being His Royal Highness, Pa Audu Oyidi, who was the paramount ruler of Ogbonicha-Alloma. Growing up in a traditional setting, Audu was exposed early to the values of community service, leadership, and cultural heritage. His early life experiences in this environment undoubtedly shaped his future aspirations and his deep connection to the people of his home state. The cultural richness and the close-knit community of Ogbonicha provided a strong foundation for his personality and his eventual foray into public service.

Education

Audu's educational journey began with his primary schooling in Ogbonicha. He then proceeded to Dennis Memorial Grammar School in Onitsha, Anambra State, where he received his secondary education from 1963 to 1967. After completing his secondary studies, he attended Jos Commercial College between 1969 and 1971. Demonstrating a keen aptitude for finance and administration, he travelled to London, United Kingdom, where he pursued higher education at the London Institute of Public Accountancy. There, he successfully qualified as a Certified Public Accountant, a significant professional milestone achieved in 1971. Many years later, in 2004, Audu further enhanced his academic credentials by earning a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Public Administration from St. Clement's University, showcasing his continuous commitment to learning and professional development throughout his life.

Career

Prince Abubakar Audu's professional career began in 1968 as a clerk at Standard Bank (now First Bank of Nigeria). Following his qualification as a Certified Public Accountant in 1971, he rejoined Standard Bank as a Senior Management Staff. Over the course of 22 years, from 1968 to 1990, he rose through the ranks, holding various demanding management positions within the banking sector, culminating in his role as an Assistant General Manager. His extensive experience in banking provided him with a robust understanding of financial management and economic planning, skills that would prove invaluable in his later political career.

His foray into public service began in 1986 when he was appointed Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in the old Benue State. He served in this capacity until 1988, contributing significantly to the state's fiscal policies. From 1988 to 1991, following the creation of new states, he continued in a similar role as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Kwara State, which then encompassed parts of what would become Kogi State. These commissioner roles provided him with hands-on experience in state administration and governance.

In 1991, with the creation of Kogi State, Prince Audu emerged as a leading political figure. He successfully contested the gubernatorial election under the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and was sworn in as the first Executive Governor of Kogi State in January 1992. His first tenure, though brief (lasting until November 1993 due to the military coup), was marked by significant foundational efforts. He initiated projects such as the establishment of Kogi State Polytechnic, the development of housing units for civil servants, extensive rural electrification schemes, and crucial water projects across the state. He also laid initial plans for a state university.

After the return to democracy in 1999, Audu again sought the governorship. He was elected under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and served his second term from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2003. This tenure is widely regarded as his most impactful. He spearheaded the establishment of Kogi State University in Anyigba (which was later renamed Prince Abubakar Audu University in his honor), a state-of-the-art specialist hospital in Lokoja (now Kogi State Specialist Hospital), and the prestigious Confluence Beach Hotel in Lokoja. His administration also embarked on extensive road construction, further rural electrification projects, and provided potable water to numerous communities, transforming the nascent state's landscape and social infrastructure. He also made an unsuccessful bid for the presidential ticket of the ANPP in 2003.

Following his second term, Audu remained a prominent figure in Kogi State politics, making several attempts to regain the governorship in subsequent elections (2007, 2011, and 2015). He transitioned from the ANPP to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later played a significant role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under which he contested the 2015 gubernatorial election.

Major Achievements

Prince Abubakar Audu's political career was defined by a series of transformative achievements, particularly during his two tenures as Governor of Kogi State. His most significant legacy is perhaps the establishment of Kogi State University, Anyigba, in 2000. This institution, later renamed in his honor, provided access to higher education for thousands of young people in the state and beyond, a critical step in human capital development for the newly formed state. He also pioneered the construction of the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja, a modern medical facility designed to offer advanced healthcare services, significantly improving the state's health infrastructure. Another landmark project was the Confluence Beach Hotel in Lokoja, a luxurious hospitality complex aimed at boosting tourism and providing high-end accommodation and conference facilities in the state capital. Beyond these major projects, Audu's administration was responsible for extensive rural electrification projects, bringing power to numerous communities that had previously been without electricity. He also oversaw widespread provision of potable water schemes, addressing a fundamental need for many rural and urban areas. Furthermore, his government initiated and completed numerous housing projects for civil servants and other residents, and embarked on substantial road construction and rehabilitation, which significantly improved intra-state connectivity and economic activities. His vision was to lay a robust foundation for the socio-economic development of Kogi State, and many of the key institutions and infrastructures that define the state today owe their existence to his initiatives.

Personal Life

Prince Abubakar Audu was a family man, married to multiple wives, including Hajiya Aisha Audu and Hajiya Halima Audu. He was blessed with several children, who have also made their marks in various fields. Notable among his children are Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Prince Mona Audu, and Prince Mustapha Audu, some of whom have also shown interest in politics and public service, continuing their father's legacy. Despite his demanding political career, Audu maintained a connection to his royal roots and cultural heritage. He was known for his philanthropic endeavors and community engagement, always striving to uplift his people. His personal life, while largely private, reflected his commitment to family and the values instilled in him from his royal upbringing in Ogbonicha.

Controversies

Prince Abubakar Audu's political career was not without its share of controversies, primarily revolving around allegations of financial impropriety during his second term as governor. In 2009, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed charges against him, accusing him of embezzling public funds to the tune of N11 billion (later revised to N10.9 billion). The EFCC alleged that Audu, while governor between 1999 and 2003, had fraudulently converted state funds for personal use. The legal proceedings were protracted, involving numerous court appearances and adjournments. Audu consistently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and asserting that the charges were politically motivated. The case remained ongoing and unresolved at the time of his sudden death in November 2015, leaving the legal process in a state of limbo and sparking debates about the continuation of such cases post-mortem. This controversy cast a shadow over parts of his public image, despite his significant developmental achievements in Kogi State.

Legacy

Prince Abubakar Audu's legacy is multifaceted and deeply etched into the fabric of Kogi State. He is widely remembered as the founding father of modern Kogi State, having been its first civilian governor twice. His vision for the state, though nascent at its creation, materialized into concrete institutions and infrastructure that continue to serve its populace. The establishment of Kogi State University, Anyigba, stands as a testament to his commitment to education, transforming the educational landscape of the state. Similarly, the Kogi State Specialist Hospital and the Confluence Beach Hotel are enduring symbols of his efforts in healthcare and economic development. His administration laid the groundwork for many essential services, including extensive road networks, rural electrification, and water supply projects, which significantly improved the quality of life for many Kogites. Beyond infrastructure, Audu was a charismatic and influential political leader who shaped the political trajectory of Kogi State for over two decades. His sudden death on November 22, 2015, while leading in the gubernatorial election results, created an unprecedented constitutional crisis in Nigeria, leading to significant legal and political debates about electoral processes and succession. This dramatic end to his life further cemented his place in Nigerian political history. Despite the controversies surrounding his financial dealings, his developmental impact on Kogi State remains undeniable, and he is largely revered by many for his pioneering spirit and transformative leadership.