Enyinnaya Abaribe

Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe (born March 1, 1955) is a Nigerian politician who has served in the Senate of Nigeria since 2007, representing Abia South Senatorial District. Prior to his senatorial career, he served as Deputy Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2003. Abaribe is a significant figure in Nigerian politics, known for his vocal and often critical stance on national issues, particularly his role as a prominent opposition leader in the Senate.Early Life and Education Enyinnaya Abaribe was born in Ikenanzizi, Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria (then part of Eastern Region). He received his primary education in Aba, Abia State, and later attended Government College, Umuahia, for his secondary education, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate. Abaribe pursued higher education at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Economics in 1979. He later returned to UNIBEN and obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Economics in 1982.Career Progression Abaribe began his career in the corporate sector, working as a lecturer at the Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma) and subsequently holding various management positions with multinational firms, including SCOA Nigeria PLC, where he served as a Regional Manager until 1999. His transition into public service began with the return to democratic rule in 1999. He successfully ran alongside Chief Orji Uzor Kalu to become the Deputy Governor of Abia State, serving from May 1999 until March 2003. His tenure was marked by political turbulence, eventually leading to his impeachment attempts and subsequent resignation shortly before the end of their term. Following his exit from the executive branch, Abaribe shifted his focus to the legislative arm of government. In 2007, he successfully contested for the Senate seat representing Abia South Senatorial District under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He has been successfully re-elected multiple times (2011, 2015, 2019), demonstrating enduring support from his constituents. He became the longest-serving senator from the South-East geopolitical zone.Major Achievements and Notable Works In the Senate, Abaribe is primarily recognized for his impactful legislative activity and his outspoken nature. He has served in various capacities, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, and most prominently, as the Minority Leader of the Senate, a position he held from July 2019 until early 2022. As Minority Leader, he was a staunch critic of the ruling government, often highlighting issues of governance, security, and economic policy, which earned him the moniker "The Tiger of the Senate." One of his most notable and controversial actions was standing surety for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in 2017, a decision that brought significant national attention and legal challenges. He has also authored several key bills and motions, focusing on issues such as electoral reform, the development of the South-East region, and transparency in government.Current Status Enyinnaya Abaribe continues to serve as a senator for Abia South. He remains an influential and senior member of the Nigerian Senate. In the 2023 general elections, he contested and won re-election to the Senate, this time under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), having defected from the PDP shortly before the primary elections. He continues to be a leading voice in the Nigerian political landscape, contributing to legislative debates and advocating for constitutional and structural reforms within the country.