Admiral Murtala Nyako

Governor of Adamawa State

Date of Birth: 27/08/1943
Place of Birth: Mayo-Belwa

Education: Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, United Kingdom, 1963-65; Indian Naval Ships School, Vendruthy, India, 1969-70; Naval War College, United States, 1975; Royal College of Defence Studies, Nigeria, 1983.

Career: Enlisted, Nigerian Navy (NN), 1963; commissioned Sub-Lieutenant, NN, 1966; Officer, Nigerian Naval Station (NNS) Benin and Obuma, 1966-67; First Executive Officer, NNS Kwa Riber, 1968; Commanding Officer NNS Ekpe, 1968-69; Navigating Officer, NNS Obum, 1970-72; Staff Officer, Naval Headquarters, NN, 1972-74; Governor, Niger State, 1976-77; Commanding Officer, NNS Erinomi, 1977; Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, 1985-88; Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Lagos, 1989;  Member, Armed Forces Ruling Council/National Defence Council, 1985-89; Commander, Naval Training Command, 1988; Chief of Naval Staff, 1990-92; Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, 1992-93; Governor, Adamawa State, 2007 to date.

Commentary: Nyako owns Sebore Farm, one of the biggest farms in the country. His approach to government is just as large. He has more than 2000 special assistants, many of whom are relatives. The Adamawa State People's Democratic Party (PDP) is divided over whether to allow Nyako to win in the elections scheduled for 2011.