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Donald DUKE

Politician · b. September 30,1961

Donald Duke, a former Governor of Gross River State, who during is tenure initiated the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race which attracted contestants and visitors from other countries. In 2005, he created a special reserve fund for the state meant to ‘‘hedge against economic downturn, and the inevitable rainy day’’. This was meant to cushion the effect of unforeseeable economic challenges that may occasion uncertainty in the state's Internally generated revenue, as well as monthly allocation from the federal government. He also initiated the Calabar Carnival which started in 2004 and is popularly referred to as "Africa's biggest street party. Donald Duke initiated the Tinapa Resort project as a way to boost business and tourism in the state. Over $350 million was spent on initial development before phase 1 opening in April 2007. BBC reported in September 2006 that Governor Duke was the only governor specifically mentioned as not being under investigation by the federal Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.…

Biographical overview

Donald Duke announced that he would run for the presidency in the 2007 presidential election, but stepped aside in favour of the eventual winner, Umaru Yar'Adua. On June 8 2018, Donald Duke declared interest in running for Presidency in 2019. On September 4, 2018, Donald Duke decamped from People's Democratic Party to Social Democratic Party. On October7, 2018, Donald Duke emerged as the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2019 general election. he polled 812 votes defeating his close rival, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, who polled 611 votes at the party’s National Convention held at Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

Biographical record

Surname
DUKE
First Name
Donald
Gender
Male
Date of Birth
September 30,1961
Place of Birth
Calabar, Cross River
Father's Name
Henry
Etim
Duke
Name of Spouse
Mrs, Owaonari
Number of Children ( Female)
2
Profession
Politician
Schools Attended with Dates
Corona and St. Mary's Private Schools, Lagos. 1964-72; Federal Government College, Ilorin; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Nigeria Law School, Lagos; University of Pennsylvania.
Membership of Professional Bodies/Professional Qualifications
Member, National Economic Intelligence Committee,1994-98;
Member, Board of Directors, Voice of Nigeria;
Member, Executive Council,Cross River State Government, 1992;
Member, National Economic Council, 1996-98;
Present Appointment
Co-founder, Onyia and Duke Partners, Law Firm
Previous Appointments
Commissioner for Finance and Planning,1992-1993;

Associate, Baker and Hosteller,

Chief Executive Officer, Hegends International

Former Governor, Cross River State, May 29 1999- 29 May 2007.
Have you ever been a member of any political party?
Yes
If "Yes", please state the party(ies) and offices you have held with dates
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Awards and Honours
- Winner, "3rd Overall Prize",National Media Awards
- Winner, "Governor of the Year Award" Thisday 10th Anniversary Awards,2004
- Winner, "Best Governance Award", Institute of Directors, 2005
Other Relevant Information
TWITTER:
@Donald_Duke

INSTAGRAM:
realdonaldduke

Last Update Mon 08, Oct 2018

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