Goke

**Goke** is a former government official who served as the Savanah State Commissioner for Works in the cabinets of Governors Peter Akale and Angela Ochello. A member of the Shining Light faction, Goke was appointed to Akale Cabinet after his party won the gubernatorial election of that year. During his tenure, his response to emergencies was rare, and he was generally seen as incompetent; he also has a short feud with Finance Commissioner Friday Bello, despite belonging to the same faction. Goke was also involved in the Contract Scandal, which diverted money from key projects promised by the Akale Administration while financially benefited his political allies. Despite his diverse fashion taste and masterful excuse making, Goke was seen as more of an asset than an ally by many within the Shining Light Group, especially Doctor Jalo of the Big Three.

## Biography

### Akale Administration

During Akale's tenure, Goke publicly complained about insufficient allocation, but did not actively pursue fixing the broken contract system within Savannah. During the last Akale cabinet meeting, Goke attempted to seek more allocation from Friday Bello's Finance department.

### Ochello Administration

The day after Peter Akale’s funeral, Goke approached Governor Angela Ochello in her office. He explained why he wasn't at the emergency that occurred the night before, an obligation for the Commissioner of Works, which operates infrastructure projects. He said his father was in hospital, which was contrary to a previous excuse he gave in which he stated that traffic had delayed him. Angela said she knew he often visited the local university in the early hours of the morning, and said it was their dual obligation to see to the needs of the citizens of Savannah. Angela dismissed Goke, and seemed displeased with him. He was unaffected by the cabinet reshuffle, which was a *de jure* practice within Ochello’s administration.

Later during an ExCo meeting, Governor Ochello asked Commissioner Goke why there was only one ambulance at the local hospital, despite 10 being purchased the year prior. Goke claimed the contractor was not supplying their requested resources. When pressed further , Goke said his ministry was still trying to make contact with the suppliers. Frustrated with Goke, Angela requested he give her all the details involving the dilemma by the end of the day.

## Personality and traits

Goke is a very incompetent government official, who only serves to fill the pockets of his political allies and influential party elites. As the Savannah State Commissioner for Works, he was frequently absent from emergencies, was involved in various scandals, and had low skills when it came to managing money in his ministry. Goke has a greedy and fearful attitude in politics, but is less financially acute than Friday Bello.

### Trivia

* Goke frequents the state university in the early hours of the morning.
* Goke sports both western style business suits and traditional Nigerian clothing.

### Fashion

Goke seen sporting a fedora in a Cabinet meeting.
## Behind the scenes

Goke is a fictional character in the Nigerian political drama *The Governor* (2016-). The series, shot and produced in a traditional Nollywood format, was created by EbonyLIfeTv, which is headed by founder Mo Abudu. He is portrayed by Nigerian actor Abasekong Udo Itata. Goke's screen time is about average when compared to most other recurring characters.