Jolly Nyame

Jolly Tavoro Nyame (born 25 December 1955 in the Zing Local Government Area of present-day Taraba State) was Governor of Taraba State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He also served as governor of the state from January 1992 to November 1993. He is a member of the then ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP)

Early life

Nyame was born on (Dec 25, 1955) in Zing, Taraba state to Christian Parents. In line with his Christian faith, he took up a vocation in Priesthood and was Ordained a Reverend in the United Methodist Church of Nigeria.

Political life

Nyame joined politics in 1991, contested for Governor of Taraba state in 1992 and won. His term as governor in 1992 was short-lived due to the military takeover of power. In 1999, Nyame contested as a governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and won. He was also re-elected in 2003, making him the only individual to have won three governorship elections in Taraba state.

Criminal charges

Upon leaving office in 2007, Nyame was charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a fraud of 1.64 billion naira also in a forty-one count charge of Fraud. In 2007, Nyame admitted to misappropriating 180 million naira out of 250 million naira meant for stationaries in Taraba state and offered to return the same.

Conviction

On May 30, 2018, Nyame was convicted by the Federal High court in Abuja, under the ruling of Justice Adebukola Banjoko for the alleged charges against him and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was asked to refund the monies he diverted.

Personal life

Nyame is married to Priscilla J. T. Nyame.