Nestor Binabo
{{Short description|Nigerian politician}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Nestor Binabo
| image = File:Nestor Binabo 2012.jpg
| office1 = 10th Governor of Bayelsa State (Acting)
| term_start1 = 27 January 2012
| term_end1 = 14 February 2012
| predecessor1 = Timipre Sylva
| successor1 = Henry Dickson
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date = 29 June 2023
| party = All Progressives Congress (since 2015)
| otherparty = People's Democratic Party (until 2015)
| office2 = Speaker of the Bayelsa State Assembly
| predecessor2 = Werinipre Seibarugo
| successor2 = Kombowei Benson
| spouse = Martha Binabo
| constituency =
| deputy2 = Fini Angaye
| caption = Binabo in 2012
| death_place = Abuja, Nigeria
}}
Nestor K. Binabo{{Cite web |title=Lawmaker cautions JTF over civilian casualties |url=http://www.pointblanknews.com/News/os3823.html |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=www.pointblanknews.com |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310215245/http://www.pointblanknews.com/News/os3823.html |url-status=live }} ({{Died in|29 June 2023}}) was a Nigerian politician and teacher who briefly served as the acting Governor of Bayelsa State, from January to February 2012. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, he also served as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. After leaving office, he was a member of the All Progressives Congress until his death in 2023.
Political career
= Pre-speakership and early career =
Binabo began his political career in the Sagbama Local Council.
Later, Binabo was elected to the Bayelsa State Assembly, and served as deputy speaker and the State Commissioner of Youths and Conflict Resolution.{{Cite web |last=Online |first=Tribune |date=23 July 2019 |title=Bayelsa political kingmakers: Their rise, fall, revival |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/bayelsa-political-kingmakers-their-rise-fall-revival/ |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311015037/https://tribuneonlineng.com/bayelsa-political-kingmakers-their-rise-fall-revival/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=James |first=Segun |date=29 March 2008 |title=Nigeria: Kidnapped Son of Bayelsa Deputy Speaker Escapes |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/200803310702.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=allAfrica}} He also served as acting speaker.
= Speakership (2010–2012) =
Binabo was elected speaker in July 2010, after his predecessor, Werinipre Seibarugo, was appointed deputy governor following the impeachment and removal of Peremobowei Ebebi.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=8 July 2010 |title=Bayelsa speaker, Seibarugu, is new Deputy Governor |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/bayelsa-speaker-seibarugu-is-new-deputy-governor/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Vanguard |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311024548/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/bayelsa-speaker-seibarugu-is-new-deputy-governor/ }} Binabo himself was initially floated as a candidate for the position.{{Cite web |last=Okhomina |first=Osa |date=6 June 2010 |title=Nigeria: Bayelsa Deputy Speaker, Others Listed for Dep Governor Position |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201006071049.html |website=allAfrica}}{{Cite web |last=Amaowei |first=Dadiowei G. |date=5 July 2010 |title=Creek Haven: Who Takes The No. 2 Slot? |url=http://www.pointblanknews.com/Articles/artopn2852.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2023 |website=Pointblanknews.com |archive-date=15 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215172744/http://pointblanknews.com/Articles/artopn2852.html }} During his tenure, he drew controversy for allegedly supporting a plan to fire 500 government workers.{{Cite web |date=23 August 2011 |title=Group faults Bayelsa Speaker on Sagbama Council Crisis |url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/58933/group-faults-bayelsa-speaker-on-sagbama-council-crisis.html |url-status=live |website=The Nigerian Voice |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310223055/https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/58933/group-faults-bayelsa-speaker-on-sagbama-council-crisis.html }} In 2011, he was put on trial for allegedly failing to disclose that he was terminated from a position at Rivers State Ministry of Education and forging certificates presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, which would have disqualified him from public office.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=21 October 2011 |title=Tribunal upholds Bayelsa Speaker's election |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/tribunal-upholds-bayelsa-speakers-election/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Vanguard |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310194143/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/tribunal-upholds-bayelsa-speakers-election/ }}{{Cite web |date=8 September 2011 |title=Anxiety as Tribunal Fixes Date Against Bayelsa Speaker |url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/69461/anxiety-as-tribunal-fixes-judgment-date-on-petition-against.html |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=The Nigerian Voice |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311022528/https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/69461/anxiety-as-tribunal-fixes-judgment-date-on-petition-against.html }} He was found innocent in October.
== Acting governorship (January–February 2012) ==
He was made acting Governor of Bayelsa on 27 January 2012, after Timipre Sylva, along with four other governors nationwide, was removed by the Supreme Court.{{Cite web |last1=Kokobaiye |first1=Abeki |last2=Anyamah |first2=Kelvin Ebinyo |date=26 September 2016 |title=Bayelsa State: A Long Walk to Restoration |url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/230660/bayelsa-state-a-long-walk-to-restoration.html |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310194154/https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/230660/bayelsa-state-a-long-walk-to-restoration.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Webmaster |date=4 February 2012 |title=Inside lives, political intrigues of 'one-month' governors |url=https://dailytrust.com/inside-lives-political-intrigues-of-one-month-governors/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Daily Trust |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310194145/https://dailytrust.com/inside-lives-political-intrigues-of-one-month-governors/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |title=Bayelsa timeline |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/02/bayelsa-timeline/ |url-status=live |website=Vanguard |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310215245/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/02/bayelsa-timeline/ }}{{Cite web |last1=Okhomina |first1=Osa |last2=Edem |first2=Edem |last3=Baba |first3=Hamzat |last4=Salem |first4=Tordue |last5=Mahmud |first5=Mahmud |date=30 January 2012 |title=Nigeria: Crimes Commission to Quiz Sacked Governors |url=https://www.ghanamma.com/2012/01/30/nigeria-crimes-commission-to-quiz-sacked-governors/ |website=GH Ghana News |access-date=11 March 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311165143/https://www.ghanamma.com/2012/01/30/nigeria-crimes-commission-to-quiz-sacked-governors/ |url-status=live }} During his brief tenure as acting governor, he fired several members of Sylva's cabinet, and threatened legal action against Chevron following a high-profile oil spill.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=1 February 2012 |title=Bayelsa Acting Gov sacks Sylva's security adviser |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/02/bayelsa-acting-gov-sacks-sylvas-security-adviser/ |url-status=live |website=Vanguard |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310194142/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/02/bayelsa-acting-gov-sacks-sylvas-security-adviser/ }}{{Cite web |last=Abah |first=Hope |date=2 February 2012 |title=Nigeria: Bayelsa Threatens Action Against Chevron |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201202020646.html |website=allAfrica}}{{Cite web |date=14 November 2014 |title=Curse of black gold |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/curse-of-black-gold/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=The Nation |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311164510/https://thenationonlineng.net/curse-of-black-gold/ }} He left office on 14 February 2012, and was succeeded by Henry Dickson of the People's Democratic Party. He subsequently resigned the speakership, citing the fact that both he and Dickson hail from the same senatorial district.{{Cite web |date=20 February 2012 |title=Bayelsa Assembly gets new speaker |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/politics/3865-bayelsa-assembly-gets-new-speaker.html |url-status=live |website=Premium TImes |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310211949/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/politics/3865-bayelsa-assembly-gets-new-speaker.html }} He was succeeded by Kombowei Benson.
= Post-speakership (2012–present) =
In June 2012, after Benson was impeached and removed from the speakership by a majority of the Assembly, Binabo successfully nominated his own former deputy speaker, Fini Angaye, to fill the vacant slot.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=4 June 2012 |title=Bayelsa Speaker impeached |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/06/bayelsa-speaker-impeached/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Vanguard |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311015037/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/06/bayelsa-speaker-impeached/ }}
== Split from PDP and joining APC (2015) ==
He was expelled from the People's Democratic Party in May 2015 due to alleged anti-party activities in the 2015 general election.{{Cite web |date=28 May 2015 |title=Bayelsa PDP expels nine members, tasks others on discipline |url=https://guardian.ng/news/bayelsa-pdp-expels-nine-members-tasks-others-on-discipline/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310183113/https://guardian.ng/news/bayelsa-pdp-expels-nine-members-tasks-others-on-discipline/ |url-status=live }} He, along with several dozen other PDP chieftains, formally defected to the All Progressives Congress in August 2015.{{Cite web |last=Webmaster |date=10 August 2015 |title=70 PDP chieftains, 500 followers set to join APC in Bayelsa |url=https://dailytrust.com/70-pdp-chieftains-500-followers-set-to-join-apc-in-bayelsa/ |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=Daily Trust |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310210940/https://dailytrust.com/70-pdp-chieftains-500-followers-set-to-join-apc-in-bayelsa/ |url-status=live }} In the years since, he took on increasingly anti-PDP political positions.{{Cite web |last=Online |first=Tribune |date=30 October 2019 |title=Guber: I bankrolled Dickson's election with N2bn ― Former Bayelsa Speaker |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/guber-i-bankrolled-dicksons-election-with-n2bn-%E2%80%95-former-bayelsa-speaker/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310183118/https://tribuneonlineng.com/guber-i-bankrolled-dicksons-election-with-n2bn-%e2%80%95-former-bayelsa-speaker/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Odiegwu |first=Mike |date=16 November 2019 |title=We can't return to PDP, says ex-Bayelsa acting governor |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/we-cant-return-to-pdp-says-ex-bayelsa-acting-governor-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=The Nation |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311024102/https://thenationonlineng.net/we-cant-return-to-pdp-says-ex-bayelsa-acting-governor-2/ }}
== APC years (2015–2023) ==
In November 2015, in a speech in Yenagoa, he accused then-governor and former ally Henry Dickson of threatening to assassinate him over a local political rivalry. Dickson and the PDP denied all accusations and characterized them as lies.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2015 |title=Dickson, PDP dismiss APC chieftain's death threat claim |url=https://guardian.ng/news/dickson-pdp-dismiss-apc-chieftains-death-threat-claim/ |access-date=12 March 2023 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312051514/https://guardian.ng/news/dickson-pdp-dismiss-apc-chieftains-death-threat-claim/ |url-status=live }}
As of May 2018, he was the leader of one of the two major factions of the Bayelsa APC. The leader of the other major faction was Timipre Sylva.{{Cite web |date=12 May 2018 |title=Sporadic Gunshots Rock APC LC Congress in Edo, Parallel Congresses in Ondo, Bayelsa, Kogi |url=https://thestreetjournal.org/sporadic-gunshots-rock-apc-lg-congress-in-edo/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=The Street Journal |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311163223/https://thestreetjournal.org/sporadic-gunshots-rock-apc-lg-congress-in-edo/ }}
He was one of several prominent Bayelsa State APC politicians who endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari's 2019 reelection bid.{{Cite web |date=4 June 2018 |title=Bayelsa APC |url=https://punchng.com/bayelsa-apc/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310194145/https://punchng.com/bayelsa-apc/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ada |first=Ada |date=5 June 2018 |title=Bayelsa APC leaders back Buhari for 2019 |url=https://dailytimesng.com/bayelsa-apc-leaders-back-buhari-2019/ |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=DAILY TIMES Nigeria |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329035037/https://dailytimesng.com/bayelsa-apc-leaders-back-buhari-2019/ |url-status=live }}
He died on 29 June 2023.{{Cite web |last=Ajibola |first=Soji |date=2023-06-29 |title=Ex-Bayelsa acting gov, Binabo, is dead |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/ex-bayelsa-acting-gov-binabo-is-dead/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}} Former president Goodluck Jonathan and governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri sent their condolences through their spokespersons.{{Cite web |last=Silas |first=Don |date=2023-07-05 |title='He'll be sorely missed' - Goodluck Jonathan sad over Binabo's death |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/07/05/hell-be-sorely-missed-goodluck-jonathan-sad-over-binabos-death/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Elijah |first=Ima |date=2023-07-05 |title=Goodluck Jonathan mourns the passing of Nestor Binabo |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/goodluck-jonathan-mourns-the-passing-of-nestor-binabo/jek3df1 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mbah |first=Okem |date=2023-06-30 |title=Diri Mourns Former Bayelsa Acting Gov, Binabo |url=https://leadership.ng/diri-mourns-former-bayelsa-acting-gov-binabo/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Julius |first=Osahon |date=2023-06-30 |title=Diri mourns Binabo |url=https://guardian.ng/news/diri-mourns-binabo/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}
Personal life
Binabo hailed from Okunbiri, Sagbama.{{Cite web |date=22 April 2012 |title=Acting Gov. Binabo Attributes Elevation to God |url=http://www.bayelsa.gov.ng/home/news/latest-news/180-acting-gov-binabo-attributes-elevation-to-god |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 April 2012 |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=Bayelsa State Government Portal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422004805/http://www.bayelsa.gov.ng/home/news/latest-news/180-acting-gov-binabo-attributes-elevation-to-god }} Before entering politics, he worked for the Rivers State Ministry of Education as a teacher.{{Cite web |last=Gbemudu |first=Emma |date=12 July 2010 |title=Nigeria: Challenges Before Bayelsa Assembly's New Leadership |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201007130320.html |website=allAfrica}} He was fired in 1987 for indiscipline, which later became a scandal in his political career.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=18 August 2011 |title=Tribunal admits Bayelsa Speaker's alleged sack letter as exhibit |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/tribunal-admits-bayelsa-speakers-alleged-sack-letter-as-exhibit/ |url-status=live |website=Vanguard |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310194141/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/tribunal-admits-bayelsa-speakers-alleged-sack-letter-as-exhibit/ }}
In March 2008, Binabo's 22-year-old son, Oyeinmomoemi Binabo, was abducted from campus at Niger Delta University. He escaped by running along the banks of the River Nun approximately 24 hours after the initial kidnapping. Several months later, Oyeinmomoemi Binabo was killed in a hit and run car accident.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=3 April 2009 |title=Nigeria: Bayelsa Deputy Speaker's Son Crushed By Hit-And-Run Driver |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/200904030277.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=allAfrica}}
Binabo's office at the Assembly was burgled in September 2011. Money and several valuables were stolen.{{Cite web |date=17 September 2011 |title=Robbers invade Bayelsa Assembly |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/robbers-invade-bayelsa-assembly/ |url-status=live |website=Vanguard |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310215244/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/robbers-invade-bayelsa-assembly/ }}
On 29 June 2015, Nestor Binabo's wife, Martha Binabo, was kidnapped from her workplace by unidentified gunmen in military uniforms.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=30 June 2015 |title=Wife of ex Bayelsa gov kidnapped |url=https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wife-of-ex-bayelsa-gov-kidnapped/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=RipplesNigeria |language=en-US |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310211950/https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wife-of-ex-bayelsa-gov-kidnapped/ |url-status=live }} She was released, unharmed, in Rivers State on 5 July after a ransom was paid.{{Cite web |last=Eziukwu |first=Arodiegwu |date=6 July 2015 |title=Kidnapped wife of ex-Bayelsa governor freed |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/186137-kidnapped-wife-of-ex-bayelsa-governor-freed.html?tztc=1 |url-status=live |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Premium Times |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310210944/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/186137-kidnapped-wife-of-ex-bayelsa-governor-freed.html?tztc=1 }} She was released with a bag of fish and a N18,000 transport fare.{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=6 July 2015 |title=Kidnappers release former Bayelsa Speaker's wife, give her N18,000, bag of fish |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/07/kidnappers-release-former-bayelsa-speakers-wife-give-her-n18000-bag-of-fish/ |url-status=live |website=Vanguard |access-date=10 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310184939/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/07/kidnappers-release-former-bayelsa-speakers-wife-give-her-n18000-bag-of-fish/ }} Reportedly, the kidnappers told her to prepare pepper soup for her husband with the fish.{{Cite web |title=Kidnapped Wife Of Former Bayelsa Governor Freed After Paying Ransom {{!}} Sahara Reporters |url=https://saharareporters.com/2015/07/05/kidnapped-wife-former-bayelsa-governor-freed-after-paying-ransom |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=saharareporters.com |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310210944/https://saharareporters.com/2015/07/05/kidnapped-wife-former-bayelsa-governor-freed-after-paying-ransom |url-status=live }}
Binabo survived being physically attacked or assaulted at least three times, including a home invasion resulting in a fatality in 2010.{{Cite web |date=9 August 2017 |title=Ex-Bayelsa acting gov injured, as assassins storm residence |url=https://punchng.com/ex-bayelsa-acting-gov-injured-as-assassins-storm-residence-2/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310210944/https://punchng.com/ex-bayelsa-acting-gov-injured-as-assassins-storm-residence-2/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=25 May 2008 |title=Bayelsa acting speaker escapes mob attack |url=http://www.oyibosonline.com/bayelsa-acting-speaker-escapes-mob-attack/ |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=Oyibos OnLine |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310195020/http://www.oyibosonline.com/bayelsa-acting-speaker-escapes-mob-attack/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Oyadongha |first=Samuel |date=2 August 2010 |title=Nigeria: One Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Bayelsa Speaker's Home |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201008030779.html |website=Vanguard}} He died after a lengthy illness on 29 June 2023, in Abuja.
References
{{reflist}}
{{BayelsaGovernors}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Binabo, Nestor}}
Category:Governors of Bayelsa State
Category:Year of birth missing
Category:All Progressives Congress politicians
Category:Peoples Democratic Party state governors of Nigeria