By Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
HEADLINENEWS.NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Tinubu Meets “Class of ’99” Governors: Reconnection, Reflection, and National Counsel at Aso Rock
Date: Friday, July 25, 2025.
Event: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (former Lagos Governor, 1999–2007) hosted the Class of 1999 Governors—state leaders elected at the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic—at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Full List: Governors Who Served in 1999–2007
Based on historical records , the state executives during that period were:
- Lagos – Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Delta – James Ibori
- Taraba – Jolly Nyame
- Plateau – Joshua Dariye
- Adamawa – Boni Haruna
- Ekiti – Niyi Adebayo
- Cross River – Donald Duke
- Ebonyi – Sam Egwu
- Akwa Ibom – Victor Attah
- Bauchi – Adamu Mu’azu
- Kebbi – Adamu Aliero
- Edo – Lucky Igbinedion
(Other governors of the period not confirmed present include Osun, Ogun, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Enugu, Abia etc.)
Attendees at Friday’s Meeting
Present at the Presidential Villa were the following Class of ’99 Governors:
- James Ibori (Delta) – led the delegation
- Adamu Aliero (Kebbi)
- Joshua Dariye (Plateau)
- Saminu Turaki (Jigawa)
- Boni Haruna (Adamawa)
- Donald Duke (Cross River)
- Sam Egwu (Ebonyi)
- Lucky Igbinedion (Edo)
- Jolly Nyame (Taraba)
- Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom)
- Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti)
- Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi)
- George Akume (SGF, former Governor of Benue) introduced the group
Notably absent: Former governors from Osun (Bisi Akande), Ogun (Olusegun Osoba), Imo (Achike Udenwa), Nasarawa (Abdullahi Adamu), Kaduna (Ahmed Makarfi), Sokoto (Attahiru Bafarawa), Zamfara (Sani Yerima), Kano (Rabiu Kwankwaso), Enugu (Chimaroke Nnamani), and Abia (Orji Kalu) did not attend.
Purpose & Themes of the Meeting
Although the session was closed door, insights from sources suggest the agenda included:
Reflecting on collective democratic history as the first civilian batch of governors in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
Exploring avenues to contribute institutional memory and expertise to support current governance, especially in democratic consolidation, infrastructure, and national stability
Strengthening political goodwill, alliances, and mutual understanding ahead of national decisions, including the 2027 general elections
One insider described the meeting:
“This visit is symbolic. It shows leadership transcends time and political affiliations. They are here not just to reconnect but to offer counsel to one of their own who now bears the burden of national leadership.”
Historical Context & Significance
Tinubu’s era as Lagos Governor (1999–2007) set examples in urban governance and political innovation, earning him national recognition . Now as President, his reconnection with peers underscores continuity and historical legitimacy.
The Class of ’99 governors represented the foundational cohort that transitioned Nigeria from military to civilian rule. Their experience is viewed as a valuable asset for national institutional memory .
Comparatively, other administrations have rarely convened such reunions. In South Africa, former provincial premiers occasionally advise, but Nigeria’s session stands out for its symbolic reconciliation and political maturity.
Quotes & Reflections
George Akume (ex-Benue Governor / SGF):
“We have a stake in the stability and success of this country… we are committed to standing by President Tinubu as he leads Nigeria through this crucial phase.”
Presidential aide @DOlusegun (official X account):
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives in audience, class of 1999 Governors led by H.E James Ibori… at the State House”
Summary Table
Governors & State Attended
James Ibori -Delta
Adamu Aliero -Kebbi
Joshua Dariye -Plateau ✅
Saminu Turaki -Jigawa ✅
Boni Haruna- Adamawa ✅
Donald Duke -Cross River ✅
Sam Egwu -Ebonyi ✅
Lucky Igbinedion -Edo ✅
Jolly Nyame -Taraba ✅
Victor Attah -Akwa Ibom ✅
Niyi Adebayo -Ekiti ✅
Adamu Mu’azu -Bauchi ✅
George Akume (intro) Benue ✅
Bisi Akande -Osun ❌
Olusegun Osoba -Ogun ❌
Achike Udenwa -Imo ❌
Abdullahi Adamu- Nasarawa ❌
Ahmed Makarfi -Kaduna ❌
Attahiru Bafarawa Sokoto ❌
Sani Yerima Zamfara ❌
Rabiu Kwankwaso Kano ❌
Chimaroke Nnamani Enugu ❌
Orji Kalu Abia ❌
Final Analysis: Why This Matters
President Tinubu’s convening of his fellow Class of ’99 governors is more than nostalgia. It is a strategic gesture of leadership continuity, drawing on decades of state-level governance experience to inform national direction. The meeting demonstrates:
A willingness to bridge generational governance
Openness to leveraging institutional memory for current reforms
Intent to foster unity across former and current power centers
For Nigerians, it serves as a reminder that leadership transcends office tenure—and that governance thrives when experience is harnessed, not sidelined.
Published by HeadlineNews.News — Context. Clarity. Constructive Leadership.
