Chris Abutu Garuba

Chris Abutu Garuba was Governor of Bauchi State, Nigeria from August 1985 to December 1988 during the military regime of Major General Ibrahim Babangida. He was born in Ipole, Otukpa Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Early life and education

Chris Abutu Garuba began his education at Mount St. Michael's Secondary School in Aliade, Benue State, which he attended from 1962-1966. He then attended St John's College, Kaduna in 1967, followed by the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna where he received his officer's training from 1967-1970.

Garuba was an energetic administrator in Bauchi. He initiated the Rural Transformation Programme to develop roads, water, electricity, agriculture and education. He upgraded the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium and built the Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Hall and various other sports venues. He established Bauchi State Polytechnic (now known as Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic), the Inland Bank, Bauchi State Television Authority and Bauchi Printing and Publishing Company. He was Chief Military Observer to the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II from July 1994 to February 1995, monitoring the cease fire between the rebel UNITA forces and the government troops. He was appointed Commandant, National War College, Abuja (colonels and brigadiers), and was a member of the Provisional Ruling Council in the Sani Abacha regime. Garuba was chief of staff during the transitional regime of General Abdusalami Abubakar, who handed over power at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic.

Later career

In 2006, Garuba attempted to buy his official residence in Lagos when it was put up for sale, but the Presidential Implementation Committee under the Chairmanship of the Minister of State for Housing and Urban development, Grace Ekpiwhre, rejected his bid. In July 2008 there were rumors that Garuba would be appointed Chief of Staff to President Umaru Yar'Adua after General Mohammed Abdullahi had resigned from that position.