Sullivan Iheanacho Chime

Sullivan Iheanacho Chime (born April 10, 1959) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the Governor of Enugu State from 2007 to 2015. Known for his understated approach to governance, Chime earned the moniker “Silent Achiever” due to his preference for letting his work speak for itself. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructural development and reforms in Enugu State.

Early Life and Education

Sullivan Iheanacho Chime was born on April 10, 1959, in Udi town, located in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. He was born into a prominent and respected family. His father, His Royal Highness Igwe Elias Aneke Chime, was the traditional ruler of Udi, a position that placed the family in high regard within the local community. His mother, Theresa Ekepluchi Chime, was known for her discipline, religious devotion, and commitment to family life. The values of leadership, service, and education were instilled in Sullivan from a young age, given the family’s royal heritage and his parents’ focus on character building.

Chime’s early academic journey began in Enugu State, where he showed a strong inclination toward intellectual pursuits. He was admitted into the prestigious College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, one of the leading secondary schools in Eastern Nigeria, known for producing top civil servants, professionals, and political leaders. He attended CIC from 1971 to 1976, completing his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with impressive results.

Following his secondary education, Chime secured admission to study Law at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions for legal education. He began his university studies in 1976 and graduated in 1980, earning his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. During his time at UNEC, he was noted for his calm disposition, sharp intellect, and methodical approach to legal reasoning. He actively participated in debates and student forums, laying the foundation for his future role in public discourse and governance.

In pursuit of legal professional accreditation, Chime proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos—the compulsory training ground for law graduates in Nigeria. He successfully completed the Bar Part II program and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, officially becoming a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Chime’s solid legal education and early grooming in a traditional royal household combined to shape his values of discipline, respect for rule of law, and commitment to public service. His legal training would later become a cornerstone of his administrative competence as Attorney General and eventually as Governor of Enugu State.

Throughout his educational journey, Chime was known for his reserved demeanor, sharp analytical mind, and a preference for thoughtful decision-making rather than flamboyance—traits that later earned him the nickname “Silent Achiever” during his political career.

Legal and Political Career

After being called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime embarked on a successful legal career that would lay the foundation for his eventual rise in Nigerian politics. He began by establishing a private law practice in Enugu, where he practiced for 17 years. His law firm quickly gained a reputation for integrity, diligence, and professionalism, serving both private and corporate clients in a range of legal matters, including land disputes, civil litigation, and commercial law.

During this period, Chime also immersed himself in the legal community. From 1992 to 1994, he served as the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu Branch. His role at the NBA showcased his growing influence in the legal field and earned him respect among his peers. Known for his quiet efficiency and legal precision, Chime was recognized for his ability to resolve disputes with a calm demeanor, qualities that would later define his political style.

Chime’s transition into public service came in 1999, the same year Nigeria returned to democratic rule, when he was appointed Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the newly elected Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. His appointment was strategic—Chime’s legal expertise was valuable in navigating the complexities of governance in a fledgling democracy. His work in this role involved advising the governor on legal and constitutional issues, drafting executive bills, and providing legal interpretations on government policies.

In 2001, he was elevated to the position of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State, a role he would occupy until 2007. As the state’s chief legal officer, Chime led major legal reforms aimed at modernizing the justice system in Enugu State. He supervised the review and updating of state laws, promoted judicial independence, and improved access to justice through legal aid programs.

His tenure as Attorney General was marked by notable efforts to strengthen rule of law and improve inter-agency coordination between the judiciary, the police, and the state executive. He was also instrumental in resolving several land-related conflicts in the state, applying a blend of legal knowledge and negotiation skills.

Chime’s performance in these legal roles earned him public trust and political capital, ultimately paving the way for his successful gubernatorial bid in 2007. His understanding of constitutional law, governance structures, and legislative drafting gave him a unique edge over many of his contemporaries. Furthermore, his years of legal service positioned him as a technocrat in politics—one whose background in the law would influence his administrative and policy approaches as governor.

Throughout his legal and early political career, Chime built strategic alliances with prominent figures in Enugu politics and beyond, including his mentor and former boss Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. While their relationship would later sour due to political differences, their collaboration during Chime’s years in the Ministry of Justice laid a political foundation that helped him secure the PDP ticket in 2007.

His journey from the courtroom to the corridors of power is often cited as a model of how professionalism, legal experience, and public service can prepare individuals for effective political leadership in Nigeria.

Key Positions Held (1981–2007)

Governorship of Enugu State

Sullivan Iheanacho Chime was elected Governor of Enugu State in April 2007 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), succeeding Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. His emergence came after serving as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under Nnamani’s administration, which positioned him as a trusted insider with legal acumen and administrative experience. In April 2011, he was re-elected for a second term, defeating Okey Ezea of the Labour Party, despite the election initially being challenged in court.

Chime ran his administration on a well-defined four-point development agenda, which became the blueprint for governance in Enugu State during his eight-year tenure. These core pillars were:

1. Physical Infrastructure
2. Economic Expansion and Employment
3. Rural Development
4. Service Delivery

Physical Infrastructure

Governor Chime prioritized extensive infrastructural development across the state. His government undertook a massive road construction and rehabilitation program, transforming both urban and rural transportation networks. Major roads within Enugu metropolis, including Independence Layout, New Haven, and GRA, were reconstructed, often with modern drainage systems and street lighting.

The transformation of road infrastructure not only improved intra-city mobility but also boosted commerce, tourism, and investor confidence. In rural areas, previously neglected communities were linked through paved feeder roads, enhancing access to markets, schools, and healthcare centers.

Health Sector Reforms

One of Chime’s most widely praised achievements was in the healthcare sector. His administration introduced free maternal and child healthcare services in all state-owned hospitals and primary healthcare centers. This initiative drastically reduced maternal and infant mortality rates in the state, earning commendations from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Health Organization (WHO).

The government also renovated and equipped general hospitals, and invested in training and retraining of medical personnel. The model became a reference point for other states seeking to improve healthcare delivery.

Education and Human Capital Development

Although not a core pillar in the original four-point agenda, Chime’s administration made substantial contributions to education. Primary and secondary schools were rehabilitated, new classrooms were built, and learning materials were provided. Teachers’ salaries were paid regularly, and training programs were introduced to improve teaching quality.

He also encouraged technical and vocational education, aimed at reducing youth unemployment and preparing young people for self-employment.

Rural Development and Service Delivery

In alignment with his third agenda point, rural development, Chime launched several initiatives to bring development to previously marginalized communities. These included the provision of electricity, boreholes, town halls, and rural access roads.

His service delivery reforms emphasized transparency, accountability, and accessibility. The Chime administration reportedly reduced bureaucracy in public service, improved efficiency in government operations, and introduced monitoring mechanisms to ensure project implementation met timelines and quality standards.

Security Enhancements

Understanding that security is fundamental to development, Chime made significant investments in law enforcement and public safety. He donated patrol vehicles equipped with modern communication gadgets to the Enugu State Police Command, and supported the activities of the Enugu State Neighborhood Watch.

This effort helped reduce crime rates, especially in urban areas, and contributed to Enugu’s reputation at the time as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

“He took governance quietly and seriously, and despite not being the most outspoken, his work in Enugu is still visible years after,” noted one analyst in a 2015 retrospective on his administration.

Governance Style and Legacy

Chime was widely known as the “Silent Achiever” for his low-key style and avoidance of media hype. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he rarely granted interviews or made flamboyant public appearances. Instead, he allowed his achievements to speak for him.

Despite controversies in his personal life and political disputes, his administration is often remembered for transformational infrastructural development, functional healthcare reform, and enhanced public safety.

Summary of Achievements (2007–2015)

Personal Life

The personal life of Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, former Governor of Enugu State, has attracted significant public and media interest over the years, especially due to his high-profile relationships and family affiliations.

Chime was first married to Ifeyinwa Esther Ochu in 1985. The marriage lasted nearly a decade and was blessed with four children. Their union came to an end in 1994, although both parties have largely kept the reasons for the separation private. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, the children from this union have remained central figures in Chime’s life, and he has publicly maintained a strong bond with them.

In 2008, while serving as the sitting governor of Enugu State, Chime married Clara Chibuzo Igwe, a medical practitioner and beauty queen who had previously been crowned Miss UNEC (University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus). The marriage, celebrated with much fanfare, produced one son. However, the union quickly became controversial and tumultuous. By 2013, reports of domestic challenges between the governor and Clara became public, sparking national debate and outrage. Multiple media outlets reported allegations of psychological abuse and house confinement, with Clara allegedly being denied access to communication and outside contact while living in the Government House.

The matter drew criticism from human rights activists, civil society organizations, and members of the public who accused the governor of abuse of power. Chime defended his actions at the time by stating he was protecting his wife due to concerns about her mental health. The case became one of the most talked-about scandals of 2013 and eventually led to the dissolution of the marriage that same year.

Chime has a total of five children, named:

1. Adaora Onyinye Chukwu
2. Nnamdi Elias Chime
3. Tochukwu Arinze Chime
4. Ezinne Ekpeluchi Nnamani
5. Ugomsinachi Daniel Chime

His daughter Ezinne Ekpeluchi Chime made headlines in August 2018 when she married Ken Nnamani Jr., the son of former Senate President Ken Nnamani. The glamorous wedding, held in Enugu, was attended by political dignitaries, business elites, and Nollywood celebrities. The marriage not only brought two influential political families together but also highlighted the high social standing of the Chime family.

Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Chime has continued to maintain a relatively private post-governorship lifestyle. While he is not active on social media, his family occasionally appears in the public space, and he is often seen at major political and social events in the Southeast region of Nigeria.

Though much of Chime’s political life is marked by his quiet and reserved approach, his personal life has proven to be far more public and debated. From alleged marital abuse, contentious divorce proceedings, and a high-profile in-law connection, Chime’s personal affairs have frequently intersected with his public office, shaping how many Nigerians remember his time as governor.

Controversies

While Sullivan Chime was widely recognized for his infrastructural achievements and administrative reforms during his tenure as Governor of Enugu State (2007–2015), his time in office was not without significant controversies—ranging from personal scandals to political and policy-related disputes.

Alleged Affair with Sister-in-law

In 2011, a major personal scandal emerged when media reports alleged that Governor Chime was involved in an affair with his sister-in-law, Ebere Igwe, who was the younger sister of his then-wife, Clara Chime. The reports claimed that the relationship resulted in the birth of a child, triggering widespread backlash and tabloid frenzy.

Chime strongly denied the allegations, stating unequivocally in an interview, “No girl is nursing a baby for me.” He dismissed the story as politically motivated propaganda and accused certain groups of attempting to tarnish his image ahead of the 2011 elections. The story, while never officially proven, contributed to public intrigue and further complicated his already troubled marriage with Clara Chime.

Election Tribunal and Court Challenge

Also in 2011, Chime’s re-election as governor under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was challenged in court. His opponent, Okey Ezea of the Labour Party, filed a petition at the Enugu State Governorship Election Tribunal, alleging electoral malpractices including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and manipulation of results.

In a surprising turn, the tribunal nullified Chime’s victory, citing substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The ruling temporarily created uncertainty around his administration.

However, the decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the alleged irregularities were not sufficient to overturn the overall outcome of the election. The court reinstated Chime, affirming his position as the duly elected governor of Enugu State.

Demolition of Colonial-Era State Secretariat

In 2013, Chime’s administration came under fire for the demolition of the Enugu State Secretariat, a colonial-era structure located in the heart of Enugu city. The building, regarded as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s administrative legacy, was razed to make way for a modern government complex.

The decision sparked criticism from civil society groups, heritage advocates, and opposition parties who argued that the demolition showed disregard for cultural preservation and historical identity. Many questioned whether such massive expenditure was appropriate at a time when the state faced pressing issues such as unemployment, underfunded healthcare, and educational infrastructure challenges.

Chime defended the demolition as a necessary step towards modernization, stating that the old structure was no longer functional and posed safety risks. Nonetheless, the incident marked one of the more polarizing moments of his administration, with critics accusing him of misplaced priorities.

Clara Chime “House Arrest” Scandal

Although not initially listed, it is important to note that one of the most talked-about controversies during Chime’s tenure involved his wife, Clara Chime, in 2013. Reports surfaced alleging that she was being held against her will in the Government House and was denied access to communication and personal freedom. The situation escalated when Clara allegedly contacted human rights organizations to intervene.

Chime responded by stating that Clara was dealing with mental health issues and that he was protecting her under medical advice. The situation attracted national attention and raised concerns about abuse of power, women’s rights, and the intersection of mental health and governance.

Summary of Key Controversies

Political Affiliations and Later Life

Following the conclusion of his two-term tenure as Governor of Enugu State in May 2015, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime experienced a period of political realignment. Though he had spent the bulk of his political career as a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under which he was elected governor in both 2007 and 2011, Chime surprised many political observers by defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in March 2017.

His defection was seen as part of a broader wave of realignments across Nigeria, as former governors and PDP heavyweights joined the then-ruling APC, led at the federal level by President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, Chime cited the PDP’s internal crises and lack of discipline as reasons for his decision, stating that the party had “lost its political direction and ideological foundation.”

Despite joining APC, Chime maintained a relatively low public profile and largely refrained from partisan political battles. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he did not seek further elective office or engage in headline-grabbing political commentary. This approach reinforced his reputation as a “silent operator”, consistent with the reserved leadership style he was known for while in office.

In an interesting political twist, however, Chime endorsed a PDP candidate, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the 2023 Enugu State governorship election, despite being a member of APC. During a widely reported press event in March 2023, Chime publicly declared his support for Mbah, praising his “impressive pedigree, competence, and capacity to lead Enugu into the next phase of development.” This endorsement sparked speculation about his political allegiance and whether he intended to formally return to the PDP.

Chime’s endorsement of Mbah raised eyebrows within APC circles, especially since the party had fielded Uche Nnaji as its official candidate for the 2023 election. Critics accused Chime of betraying his party, while others viewed his support for Mbah as a reflection of his non-partisan approach to governance and his prioritization of merit over party loyalty. Responding to criticisms, Chime clarified that he had not received any financial inducement and that his choice was based solely on Mbah’s competence and vision.

“I supported Mbah because I believe he is the most qualified to lead Enugu State at this point in our history,” Chime said.
– Premium Times Nigeria, March 7, 2023

Despite stepping away from active politics, Chime continues to be a respected elder statesman in Enugu State and in southeastern Nigeria as a whole. His tenure is often remembered for infrastructural transformation, healthcare reforms, and administrative efficiency. While he remains publicly reserved and avoids flamboyant political engagement, his endorsements and occasional interventions still carry considerable influence, especially among older political operatives and community leaders.

In his post-governorship years, Chime has largely retreated from the media spotlight. He has focused on private life, family, and community involvement. He occasionally attends political functions, state ceremonies, and civic events, and is often invited to offer counsel to aspiring politicians and current officeholders.

Though controversies during his time in office may have cast shadows, his enduring legacy is one of quiet governance, infrastructure-focused leadership, and legal-minded discipline, which continues to influence the political landscape in Enugu State.

Political Timeline (Post-Governorship)

References

• Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Sullivan Chime. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sullivan_Chime:contentReference[oaicite:104]{index=104}
• Modupe Apoola Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Chime, Sullivan Iheanacho. Retrieved from https://encyclopedia.litcaf.com/people-2/chime-sullivan-iheanacho/:contentReference[oaicite:107]{index=107}
• Politicians Data. (n.d.). Sullivan Chime Biography and Detailed Profile. Retrieved from https://politiciansdata.com/content/sullivan-chime/:contentReference[oaicite:110]{index=110}
• Linda Ikeji’s Blog. (2018, August). Photos from the wedding of the daughter of former Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime. Retrieved from https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2018/8/photos-from-the-wedding-of-the-daughter-of-former-enugu-state-governor-sullivan-chime-2.html:contentReference[oaicite:113]{index=113}
• Modern Ghana. (n.d.). My Sex Scandal Story – Gov Chime. Retrieved from https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/15003/my-sex-scandal-story-gov-chime.html:contentReference[oaicite:116]{index=116}
• AllAfrica. (2008, January 23). Nigeria: How Chime Was Sacked. Retrieved from https://allafrica.com/stories/200801230275.html:contentReference[oaicite:119]{index=119}
• Premium Times. (2023, March 7). Enugu 2023: Ex-governor denies collecting bribe to endorse PDP candidate. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/586732-enugu-2023-ex-governor-denies-collecting-bribe-to-endorse-pdp-candidate.html:contentReference[oaicite:122]{index=122}

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