Former Governor of Anambra State and ex-Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has revealed that his removal from office in 2006 stemmed from his refusal to succumb to pressure from political powerbrokers to appoint Chris Uba as his deputy governor.
Ngige, who spoke in an interview in Abuja, disclosed that his ouster was orchestrated by influential figures in Anambra’s political landscape who wanted him to cede control of his administration.
“I know those who were removing me. They showed their hands. They gave me conditions, and I said I won’t do them,” Ngige said.
He recounted how the late Senator Ibrahim Mantu was sent to deliver a message from the political cabal pushing for Uba’s appointment.
“Mantu came to me and told me the things I was supposed to do. He said somebody sent him. I said, ‘Tell the person I would not do it.’
“He came back and said, ‘Let us go and see the person.’ And the person told me the major condition would be that I should make Chris Uba my deputy governor.”
Ngige rejected the condition, citing security and ethical concerns.
“If I made him deputy governor, he would have immunity and could walk into my office and shoot me. If he shot me, nothing would happen — stories would be told that my orderly did it by accident. Second, the people of Anambra would revolt against me.”
Ngige pointed to the violence that engulfed Anambra in 2004 when political thugs loyal to Uba allegedly set public institutions ablaze in a failed attempt to unseat him.
“They burned down the House of Assembly, the governor’s office, Anambra Broadcasting Service, and the Education Commission. And they didn’t hide themselves — they even made a broadcast on AIT saying I should not enter the state again.”
Describing his removal as “divinely orchestrated,” Ngige said he harboured no regrets.
“I’m happy with all that transpired because that is how God willed it. When I was removed, somebody came to me crying, saying if it were him, he would commit suicide. I told him, ‘I can go and get a rope for you.’”
Ngige also disclosed that he chose not to appeal the court ruling that nullified his election to avoid further bloodshed in the state.
“I wasn’t born a governor. I was born Nwabueze Ngige, son of a carpenter. My father was a foreman at PWD. I didn’t want violence to continue in my name.”
Still identifying as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ngige noted he is currently on sabbatical from politics.
“I am still in the APC, but I’m on sabbatical.”
The former governor also addressed his controversial strategy of employing “bad boys” to combat insecurity during his tenure, explaining that he used his security vote responsibly.
“Security money is not pocket money. I took a bill to the Anambra House of Assembly for vigilante services. We asked communities to submit names of people to employ, including known bad boys. We told them: ‘You’re now working for the state. Any false move, you’re gone.’”
Ngige said his administration paid the vigilantes ₦30,000 monthly — a significant sum at the time — along with food, transportation, and communication support.
“We provided them with buses and recharge card money. They were ready to defend their state. When my police escort was withdrawn, they secured me. They even went on operations to Aba to track criminals who had fled Anambra.”
Ngige criticised present-day governors who misappropriate security votes.
“Many governors see security money as pocket money or funds to buy property. That’s not what it’s for. I used mine to protect lives and property.”
