Barr. Mike Aniah
2015 Cross River State Gubernatorial Aspirant
Barrister Mike U. Aniah is a modest and accessible man who is doing a great job in Cross River State. He is an asset to his Community, State, and Nigeria at large. Mike is fondly called result-oriented and believes so much in hard work and the unity and progress of the State, but most importantly he believes the youths must be guided to carve a wholesome destiny for themselves.
He hails from Akorshi village in Bendi 1 Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, Mike attended the University of Uyo majoring in Law before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos in 1992, where he graduated with excellence and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He delved into professional practice with some reputable firms at Minna Niger State such as Chief Moses Akinshola and Co., as well as established the famous Justice Chambers, Obudu between 1993 to 1994.
His leadership capability and commitment to service became more apparent when he was elected Chapter Chairman of DPN in Obanliku in 1996 and later Assistant Secretary PDP Cross River State Chapter in 1998. Mike’s spirit of hard work, and capacity to work under utmost pressure without supervision and still achieve astonishing results prompted the former governor of the State, Mr. Donald Duke to appoint him as a member, Governor-Elect, Donald Duke’s Policy & Transition Committee – a task he accomplished with the firmness of purpose.
In 1994, Mike had a brief spell as a member of the State Oil Palm Board as a precursor to a higher calling, this time as Commissioner for Education between 1999 to 2001. He later became Commissioner of the Northern Senatorial Development Commission, before being brought back to oversee the then challenging office of Commissioner for Public Utilities with the uneasy task of realizing government policy objectives in public utility and infrastructure especially rural electrification across the State – a responsibility he shouldered throughout the Donald Duke Administration.
Barr. Mike was later drafted to give impetus to the State Planning Commission as a member between 2008 and 2011 before his elevation as Secretary to the State Government by the Imoke-led administration of 2011.
Barr Aniah believes in continuity, with greater emphasis on poverty reduction, Good governance in public finance management as well as a conducive environment for growth and wealth creation.
