Joe Igbokwe is a prominent Nigerian political figure and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in Lagos State. He is known for his role as the former Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resourcesto the Lagos State Governor, a position he held in the previous administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Early Life and Education
Joe Igbokwe was born in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, and has lived in Lagos for more than 40 years. He attended Okongwu Memorial Grammar School and is a proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1985.
Career and Political Journey
- Early Career: Igbokwe attributes much of his professional and political success to his relocation to Lagos, stating that the state provided opportunities for his dreams to be actualized.
- Political Ascendancy: He rose to political prominence through his association with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, serving under him when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State.
- APC Spokesperson: Igbokwe served as the spokesperson for the Lagos State chapter of the APC for a significant period before stepping down from the role around January 2020.
- Special Adviser: He was appointed the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to Governor Sanwo-Olu, a role in which he was actively involved in leading efforts to clear drains. There were initial discussions about him being a commissioner nominee, but he ultimately served as a Special Adviser.
- Igbo Leader in Lagos APC: He has been a leader of the Ndigbo (Igbo people) in the Lagos APC, an appointment he received from the party in 2008. While a faction attempted to remove him in 2020, other party members reaffirmed their support for his leadership.
- Current Status: His current political appointment status in the current administration is not explicitly confirmed in the search results, though he remains a vocal APC chieftain and political commentator.
Notable Views and Incidents
- Controversial Stance: Igbokwe is a highly vocal and often controversial figure, known for his strong support for the APC and President Tinubu. He has often engaged in public disputes and has been critical of certain Igbo groups, such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
- Attack on Home: His house in Nnewi was attacked and set on fire in October 2021, an incident he believes was linked to his vocal political opinions.
- Authorship: He is an author and has written books, including “Igbos 50 Years After Biafra”.
Leave a Reply