Chief Michael Botmang (1938 – 18 January 2014) was a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Plateau State from 2006 to 2007, following the impeachment of Joshua Dariye. He served as deputy governor of Plateau State from 1999 to 2004; 2004 to 2006; and from April to May 2007 under Dariye.

Michael Botmang
Governor of Plateau State
In office
13 November 2006 – 27 April 2007
DeputyJethro Akun
Preceded byJoshua Dariye
Succeeded byJoshua Dariye
Deputy Governor of Plateau State
In office
27 April 2007 – 29 May 2007
GovernorJoshua Dariye
Preceded byJethro Akun
Succeeded byPauline Tallen
In office
18 November 2004 – 13 November 2006
GovernorJoshua Dariye
Succeeded byJethro Akun
In office
29 May 1999 – 18 May 2004
GovernorJoshua Dariye
Personal details
Born1938
Za'ang, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Plateau State, Nigeria)
Died18 January 2014(2014-01-18) (aged 75–76)
Za'ang, Plateau State, Nigeria
Political partyPeoples Democratic Party
Occupation
  • Politician
  • teacher
  • salesman

On 9 September 2001, there were riots in Jos between Christians and Muslims. As acting governor, Botmang drafted both the police and the army to help return the state capital to order.[1]

On 13 November 2006, Botmang was sworn in as governor of Plateau State following the impeachment of Joshua Dariye. He held that position until 27 April 2007, when the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of Dariye with immediate effect.[2] Upon assuming office, he became the first governor of Plateau State of Berom origin.

In July 2008, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Botmang on a 31-count charge of fraud, alleging he had pocketed ₦1.5 billion during his tenure as Plateau State governor. He was released on bail a month later and his travel documents were returned so he could travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.[3]

The fraud charges were later dropped by the EFCC on 12 June 2013, stating that there is evidence that the money borrowed from Intercontinental Bank when Botmang was governor was used to pay workers’ salaries and other government activities.[4]

Botmang died on 18 January 2014, of kidney disease.[5] He was 76.

References

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  1. ^ Adamu, Tereza (June 2003). "Joining Hands in Peace: Sharia Law and Nigerian Unity" (PDF). World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  2. ^ Chikwem, Roy (11 February 2009). "Abuse of impeachment process in Nigeria". The Sun. Retrieved 7 December 2009.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Courth Grants Botmang Bail for N100m". Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 26 August 2008. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  4. ^ "Court acquits ex-deputy gov, Botmang". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 January 2014. [permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Ajijah, Andrew (18 January 2014). "Botmang, former Plateau governor, dies at 76". Premium Times. Retrieved 29 August 2024.