John Atom Kpera (born 3 January 1941) was the first Military Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from March 1976 to July 1978, after it had been created from the old East Central State during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.[1] Later he was Military Governor of Benue State from January 1984 to August 1985 during the military regime of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.[2][3]
John Kpera | |
|---|---|
| Military Governor of Benue State | |
| In office 4 January 1984 – August 1985 | |
| Preceded by | Aper Aku |
| Succeeded by | Jonah David Jang |
| Military Governor of Anambra State | |
| In office March 1976 – July 1978 | |
| Preceded by | Anthony Ochefu (East-Central State) |
| Succeeded by | D.S. Abubakar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 January 1941 Mbatierev, Gboko LGA, Benue State, Nigeria |
| Education | Katsina-Ala College |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
Background
editJohn Atom Kpera was born on 3 January 1941 in Mbatierev, Gboko Local Government Area in what is now Benue State. He attended Katsina-Ala College, now Government College Katsina-Ala, (1956–1961) for his secondary education. After joining the army he attended the Haile Selasie Military Academy, Ethiopia in 1962 for his Military Cadet Training, and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1965. He held various command and staff appointments including Engineers Brigade Commander, Squadron Commander, Regimental Commander, and Commander, Corps of Engineers.[4]
He played a role in Nigeria's first military coup on 15 January 1966, helping Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu in an attempt to overthrow the Northern Region government. The coup did not succeed in its aims, but led to Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assuming power in the first Nigerian military government.[5]
Military Governor
editHe was appointed Military Governor of Anambra State from March 1976 – July 1978, during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. He then became Commandant of the Army School of Engineers Headquarters, followed by Director of Manpower, Nigerian Army Headquarters.[4]
On 4 January 1984 he was appointed Military Governor of Benue State, the first military leader born in the state to govern the State.[6]
He initiated a policy of forcing the people to clean their environment under the supervision of soldiers, a practice that was maintained by his successors.[7]
On his dismissal as governor, he said of the State treasury that he left it empty because he met it empty.[8]
References
edit- ^ Nwachukwu, John Owen (31 December 2017). "Role I played in 1966 coup - General Atom Kpera". Daily Post. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ^ "Nigerian States". World Statesmen. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
- ^ "Gresham Asset Management Limited". Gresham Asset Management Limited. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Brig. Gen. John Atom Kpera". Benue State Government. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
- ^ Siollun, Max. ""The Five Majors": Myth and Reality". Dawodu. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
- ^ Archibong, Maurice (23 October 2007). "A mirror on Benue". Daily Sun. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
- ^ Akor, Godwin (22 October 2009). "MDGs – Suswam Moves to Restore Water Supply". Daily Champion. Retrieved 4 January 2009 – via allAfrica.
- ^ Ameh, Madaki O. (9 January 2003). "Lawrence Onoja: The Force for Positive Change in Benue State". This Day. Archived from the original on 4 November 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
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