Chief Melford Okilo: Rivers State’s First Elected Civilian Governor (1979–1983)

A profile of leadership at the dawn of Nigeria’s Second Republic

Chief Melford Obiene Okilo occupies a distinctive place in Nigeria’s political history as the first elected civilian Governor of Rivers State, emerging at a critical moment in the nation’s return to democratic rule. His election in 1979, under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), marked a transition from prolonged military governance to civilian administration during the Second Republic.
A Daily Times newspaper profile dated August 4, 1979 offered a detailed biographical account of Okilo, presenting him as a seasoned administrator, legislator, and public servant poised to lead Rivers State into a new political era.

Early Life and Background

Chief Melford Okilo was born on November 30, 1933, in Emakalakala, located in present-day Bayelsa State, then part of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. His upbringing in the Niger Delta deeply influenced his political outlook, particularly on issues of regional development, minority rights, and resource control.

Education and Academic Formation

Okilo began his formal education at St. Michael’s Primary School, Oloibiri, before proceeding to the Teachers’ Training College, Diobu, Port Harcourt, where he received foundational professional training.
Seeking further academic advancement, he studied abroad and obtained:

A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of London

A Master’s degree (M.A.) from the New School for Social Research, New York

This combination of legal and social science education equipped him with a strong analytical grounding for governance, lawmaking, and public administration.

Early Career in Public Service

Before fully entering partisan politics, Okilo worked within the judicial system as an interpreter in magistrate and high courts, a role that exposed him to Nigeria’s legal processes and administrative structures.
His political career formally began in 1960, when he was elected as a Member of Parliament during Nigeria’s First Republic. This period allowed him to gain legislative experience at the national level before the military takeover of government in 1966.

Role in Rivers State Administration

Following the creation of Rivers State in 1967, Okilo became actively involved in state governance. He served in several capacities as a commissioner in different ministries, contributing to policy formulation and implementation during the formative years of the state.
These roles strengthened his reputation as an experienced administrator with deep knowledge of Rivers State’s political and developmental challenges.

Election as Governor in 1979

In the build-up to Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, Chief Melford Okilo emerged as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) candidate for the Rivers State governorship. He won the election and was sworn in on October 1, 1979, becoming the first democratically elected governor of the state.
His administration ran until 1983, when the Second Republic was terminated by a military coup.

Governorship and Legacy

As governor, Okilo presided over Rivers State during a politically vibrant but economically challenging period. His tenure focused on:

Consolidating civilian governance after years of military rule

Strengthening state institutions

Addressing infrastructural and social development needs

While the Second Republic faced systemic challenges nationwide, Okilo’s administration remains historically significant for laying the foundations of democratic governance in Rivers State.

Historical Significance

Chief Melford Okilo’s importance lies not only in his policies but in his symbolic role as the first civilian governor elected by the people of Rivers State. His career bridged Nigeria’s First and Second Republics, reflecting continuity in political leadership amid national upheavals.
The Daily Times profile of August 4, 1979 captures this moment, presenting Okilo as a product of legal training, legislative experience, and regional political engagement.

Chief Melford Okilo’s election in 1979 marked a defining chapter in Rivers State’s political history. Born in 1933, educated in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and seasoned in both legislative and executive roles, he exemplified the civilian leadership that emerged at the dawn of Nigeria’s Second Republic. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in the state’s democratic journey.

Sources

Daily Times (Nigeria), August 4, 1979, biographical profile of Chief Melford Okilo

Rivers State Government historical and administrative records