Michael Botmang, Nigerian politician, 17th Governor of Plateau State (b. 1938)

Chief Michael Botmang, born in 1938, was a prominent Nigerian politician whose career significantly impacted Plateau State. He passed away on 18 January 2014, at the age of 76.

A Career Marked by Crisis and Leadership

Chief Michael Botmang's political journey was notable for his roles during periods of significant upheaval and his eventual leadership in Plateau State. His early actions as an acting governor demonstrated a decisive approach to public order.

Response to the 2001 Jos Riots

On 9 September 2001, Plateau State's capital, Jos, was engulfed by severe ethno-religious riots. These violent clashes, often referred to as the "Jos crisis," resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, marking a dark period in Nigeria's history. At this critical juncture, Chief Michael Botmang, serving as the acting governor, took swift and decisive action. To restore peace and order, he authorized the immediate deployment of both the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army, a crucial intervention that helped to bring the volatile situation under control in the state capital.

Ascension to Governorship

Chief Michael Botmang later assumed the highest office in Plateau State. On 13 November 2006, he was sworn in as the Governor of Plateau State. This appointment followed the impeachment of the then-incumbent governor, Chief Joshua Dariye, an event that reshaped the political landscape of the state. Having previously served as a Plateau State deputy governor, Botmang stepped into the gubernatorial role at a pivotal moment in the state's political trajectory.

Brief Tenure and Supreme Court Reversal

Botmang's tenure as governor was relatively brief. He held the position until 27 April 2007. His governorship concluded when the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the nation's highest judicial body, delivered a landmark ruling. The court ordered the immediate reinstatement of Chief Joshua Dariye, effectively overturning his impeachment and bringing an end to Botmang's time as governor.

Legal Challenges and Exoneration

Following his governorship, Chief Michael Botmang faced significant legal scrutiny from Nigeria's anti-graft agency.

Allegations of Fraud by the EFCC

In July 2008, Chief Michael Botmang was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's primary agency for investigating financial crimes. He faced a substantial 31-count charge of fraud. The allegations against him claimed that he had misappropriated N1.5 billion during his period as the Governor of Plateau State.

Bail and Medical Travel

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Botmang was granted bail approximately a month after his arraignment. Crucially, his travel documents, which had likely been seized as part of the investigation, were returned to him. This allowed him to travel to the United Kingdom to seek essential medical treatment.

Charges Dropped and Vindication

A significant turn of events occurred on 12 June 2013, when the EFCC officially dropped all fraud charges against Chief Michael Botmang. The commission stated that it had obtained evidence demonstrating that the money in question, borrowed from Intercontinental Bank during Botmang's time as governor, was legitimately utilized. This evidence indicated the funds were used to pay workers' salaries and finance other essential government activities, thereby clearing his name of the allegations.

Final Years and Legacy

Chief Michael Botmang's life concluded less than a year after his legal exoneration.

Passing

Chief Michael Botmang passed away on 18 January 2014, at the age of 76. The cause of death was confirmed as kidney disease. His death marked the end of a political career that navigated both leadership roles during state crises and significant legal challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chief Michael Botmang

When was Chief Michael Botmang born and when did he die?

Chief Michael Botmang was born in 1938 and passed away on 18 January 2014, at the age of 76.

What was his role during the 2001 Jos riots?

As acting governor on 9 September 2001, Chief Michael Botmang deployed both the police and the army to restore order during severe ethno-religious riots in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

How did Chief Michael Botmang become Governor of Plateau State?

He was sworn in as Governor of Plateau State on 13 November 2006, following the impeachment of the then-incumbent governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.

Why did his tenure as governor end?

His governorship ended on 27 April 2007, when the Supreme Court of Nigeria ordered the immediate reinstatement of Chief Joshua Dariye, thereby reversing the impeachment that brought Botmang to power.

What were the fraud charges against him and what was the outcome?

In July 2008, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him on 31 counts of fraud, alleging he had misappropriated N1.5 billion. However, on 12 June 2013, the EFCC dropped the charges, stating that evidence showed the money borrowed was used for legitimate government purposes, including paying workers' salaries.