Aper Aku

Early Life and Background

Born in 1938 in Ikyobo, a community within the Ushongo Local Government Area of present-day Benue State, Nigeria, Aper Aku emerged from a region rich in agricultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups, predominantly the Tiv people. His early life was shaped by the communal values and traditions prevalent in rural Nigeria during the colonial and early independence periods. Details regarding his immediate family and specific childhood experiences are not extensively documented, but it is understood that he grew up in an environment that instilled in him a strong sense of community and responsibility. The socio-political landscape of Nigeria during his formative years, characterized by the struggle for independence and the subsequent nation-building efforts, likely influenced his later commitment to public service and development.

Education

Aper Aku's educational journey laid a robust foundation for his future career in public administration and politics. He commenced his secondary education at the prestigious Government College, Keffi, a renowned institution known for producing many of Nigeria's prominent leaders and professionals. His time at Keffi, likely in the 1950s, provided him with a strong academic grounding and exposure to a diverse student body. Following his secondary education, Aku pursued further studies at the Advanced Teachers' College, Zaria, an institution affiliated with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Here, he honed his pedagogical skills, preparing him for a career in education. His commitment to higher learning culminated in his enrollment at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, one of Nigeria's premier universities, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree. These educational experiences equipped him with critical thinking abilities, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of public policy and administration, which proved invaluable in his subsequent governmental roles.

Career

Aper Aku's career path was characterized by a steady progression through various public service roles before his foray into partisan politics. He began his professional life as an educator, serving as a teacher and later rising to the position of principal at several schools. This experience gave him direct insight into the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria's educational sector. His administrative acumen was recognized, leading to his appointment to various significant positions within the public sector. Notably, he served as the Chairman of the Benue Cement Company, a critical industrial enterprise in the state, demonstrating his capacity for managing large-scale organizations. He also held other administrative posts, including various roles within the Benue-Plateau State government before the creation of Benue State. His extensive experience in both education and public administration provided him with a comprehensive understanding of governance and development challenges at both local and state levels.

In 1979, with Nigeria transitioning from military to civilian rule, Aper Aku contested and won the gubernatorial election for Benue State under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was sworn in as the first civilian Governor of Benue State, a newly created entity carved out of the former Benue-Plateau State. His victory marked a significant milestone for the people of Benue, ushering in an era of self-governance and localized development initiatives. His first term as governor, from 1979 to 1983, was focused on laying the foundational structures for the new state, addressing critical needs in agriculture, education, and infrastructure. He successfully sought re-election in 1983, securing a second term in office. However, his second term was abruptly cut short on December 31, 1983, when a military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the civilian government, bringing an end to the Second Republic. Following the coup, Aper Aku, along with many other civilian politicians, was arrested and detained by the military regime. He was held without trial for several years, facing accusations of corruption, though no formal charges were ever proven in a court of law.

Major Achievements

During his tenure as the first civilian Governor of Benue State from 1979 to 1983, Aper Aku initiated and oversaw several transformative projects and policies that significantly impacted the state's development:

• Agricultural Development: Recognizing Benue State's potential as the 'Food Basket of the Nation,' Aku's administration prioritized agriculture. He established large-scale agricultural projects aimed at boosting food production and supporting local farmers. Key initiatives included the establishment of the Benue Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA) and investments in mechanized farming and improved seedling distribution. He focused on cash crops like rice, yams, and cassava, providing subsidies and technical support to increase yields and farmer income.
• Educational Expansion: Building on his background as an educator, Governor Aku placed a strong emphasis on expanding access to quality education. His government established new primary and secondary schools across the state, ensuring that even remote communities had access to educational facilities. He also invested in teacher training programs and improved educational infrastructure, aiming to enhance literacy rates and human capital development.
• Infrastructure Development: Aku's administration embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects to connect communities and facilitate economic activity. This included the construction and rehabilitation of numerous rural and urban roads, making transportation of agricultural produce to markets more efficient. His government also focused on improving access to potable water and electricity in various parts of the state, crucial for public health and economic growth.
• Healthcare Improvements: Efforts were made to bolster the state's healthcare system, including the construction of new healthcare centers and the renovation of existing ones. His administration worked to improve the availability of medical personnel and essential drugs, aiming to provide better health outcomes for the populace.
• Industrialization Efforts: Beyond agriculture, Aku sought to foster industrial growth. His administration supported local industries and encouraged investment in the state, aiming to create employment opportunities and diversify the state's economy. His previous experience as Chairman of Benue Cement Company likely informed these efforts.

Personal Life

Aper Aku was married, and while details about his spouse are not widely publicized, he was known to have a family. His personal life was largely kept private, consistent with the norms of many public figures of his era. However, his family undoubtedly endured significant hardship during his period of detention following the 1983 military coup. His incarceration, which lasted several years without formal charges or trial, took a severe toll on his health. He reportedly fell ill during his detention and was eventually released in a deteriorating state. Aper Aku passed away on February 8, 1987, at the age of 49, reportedly due to complications arising from the illnesses he contracted or exacerbated during his imprisonment. His untimely death was widely mourned, and many believed it was a direct consequence of his unjust detention.

Legacy

Aper Aku's legacy as the first civilian Governor of Benue State is profoundly significant. He is remembered as a visionary leader who laid the groundwork for modern Benue State, guiding it through its formative years with dedication and a clear development agenda. His focus on agriculture earned Benue State the enduring moniker 'Food Basket of the Nation,' a testament to his policies' impact on food security and rural livelihoods. His commitment to education and infrastructure development created lasting institutions and facilities that continue to benefit the state's residents. Despite the abrupt and tragic end to his political career and life, his contributions are celebrated in Benue State. He symbolized the aspirations of a newly formed state striving for progress and self-sufficiency. Aper Aku is regarded as a martyr for democracy by many, a victim of military interventions that stifled Nigeria's democratic growth. His name continues to be invoked in discussions about good governance, public service, and the challenges of political stability in Nigeria. His memory is honored through various public institutions and infrastructure projects named after him in Benue State, solidifying his place as a foundational figure in the state's history.