The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully incarcerated three governors since its inception in December 2002. This outcome is one that many Nigerians are eager to witness again.

Olanipekun Olukayode, the newly appointed chairman of the EFCC, appears to be a pivotal figure in Nigeria's battle against corruption. He has openly pledged to prosecute any ex-governor implicated in corrupt practices.

After assuming his role, Olukoyode announced the agency's intention to re-examine and proceed with previously halted corruption cases involving substantial sums, particularly those concerning ex-governors.

Several ex-governors stand accused of diverting or mismanaging funds that could have been allocated for vital services such as healthcare, water, electricity, education, infrastructure, and other fundamental necessities, especially in rural communities.

Nonetheless, the legal proceedings against these governors have been postponed due to political maneuvering or court technicalities. Approximately 13 ex-governors face allegations of misappropriating billions from their states.

These individuals have been brought before the courts by the EFCC, but their trials remain unresolved. This situation has sparked concern among Nigerians who suspect that some ex-governors possess the influence to avoid prosecution.

The list of ex-governors with pending cases, which the EFCC may revisit, is as follows:

List of Incarcerated Ex-Governors:

- Joshua Dariye, former governor of Plateau State, was elected in 1999 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. He was impeached during his second term by a minority of lawmakers.

The EFCC indicted Dariye on 23 counts of money laundering. On July 12, 2018, he received a 10-year prison sentence.

However, his incarceration was brief, as he was later pardoned by the preceding President, Muhammadu Buhari.

- Jolly Nyame, former governor of Taraba State, served two terms from 1999 to 2003.

The EFCC apprehended Nyame, charging him with a N1.64 billion fraud. In 2018, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Similar to Dariye, Nyame was pardoned during Buhari's tenure.