Aper Aku

Aper Aku (1938–1988) was a Nigerian educator and politician from Ikyobo, Ushongo LGA, Benue State. Elected first civilian Governor of Benue State on the NPN platform in October 1979 with Isah Odoma as deputy; re-elected October 1983. Widely regarded as one of the best governors in Benue history — approximately 70% of the state's landmark projects (Benue State University, Benue Breweries, Lobi Bank, Ikogen Cattle Ranch, Makurdi International Market, the State Secretariat) trace to his four-year tenure, cementing Benue's identity as the "Food Basket of the Nation." Removed by the 31 December 1983 Buhari coup. The Buhari-regime Special Tribunal (Recovery of Public Property) sentenced him in 1984 to 21 years imprisonment for allegedly borrowing ₦50,000 from Benue Breweries, a state-established company; the conviction is historiographically contested as politically motivated and conducted under Decree No. 3 of 1984's lower evidentiary standards. Released on health grounds by the Babangida regime; died November 1988 at age 49, reportedly leaving no personal fortune.