Naval Officer, Deputy Governor
Gboribiogha John Jonah (born March 6, 1954) is a retired naval officer, distinguished marine engineer, politician (former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State from 2012–2019), and elder statesman.
Early Life and Education
Born in Kpongbokiri, a fishing settlement in the Nembe Brass district of the then Eastern Nigeria (now Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State), Gboribiogha is the third of ten children of the late Deputy Chief Jonah and Madam Dakoru, both of whom were fishermen. He was raised in a typical village setting, where his parents instilled in him the values of love, selfless service, hard work, courage, and absolute trust in God.
At the age of five, he was enrolled in the Royal District Council School (RDCS) Nembe and later attended the famous St. Luke’s School, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1965. From 1969 to 1973, Gboribiogha attended Nembe National Grammar School (NNGS), where he became Senior Prefect for the Class of ’73. Known as “The Burning Spear” for his strong character, he was respected by his classmates and juniors for his leadership, academic brilliance, and diligence. He passed his West African Certificate Examinations with distinction (Grade One) in 1973.
Some of his notable classmates include Professor Kingsley Alagoa, Dr. Boumokuma E.G. Kpokiri, Mr. Oye Jonathan, Engr. Ayebaesin Deinagha, the late Dr. Apiri, and Surveyor Wilson Omusuo.
In 1974, Gboribiogha joined the Nigerian Military through the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), being part of the NDA Cadet Course 16. He graduated in 1975 as the best naval cadet, receiving a silver medal for outstanding performance. He went on to attend the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in England, where he completed the International Midshipman Course (1976/77) and graduated with a First Class in Marine Engineering.
Career
Commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in July 1977, Gboribiogha’s accomplishment was celebrated by his family and community. He furthered his studies in Naval Engineering at the Naval College in India from 1977 to 1980, specializing in Marine Engineering from 1981 to 1982.
He attended Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, in 1986/1992, winning the Book Prize and College Tie for outstanding performance. In 2002, he completed the National Security and Strategic Studies Course at the National Defence College, New Delhi, India, earning the ‘NDC’ symbol for his exceptional performance.
Appointments Held
During his naval career, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) held several key appointments, including:
- Assistant Engineering Officer, Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) ARADU (1982–1984)
- Gas Turbine Training Officer, Nigerian Naval Technical College, Port Harcourt (1984–1985)
- Marine Engineering Officer, NNS EKUN (1985–1986)
- Squadron Engineering Officer, Marine Counter-Measure Vessel (MCMV) Squadron (1986–1990)
- Fleet Support Maintenance Officer, Fleet Support Group East (1990–1991)
- Directing Staff, AFCSC Jaji (1992–1994)
- Chief Delegate, NNS LANA Refit, Snake Island (1995)
- Directing Staff, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (1995–1997)
- Commander, Fleet Support Group West (1998–2001)
- Director of Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance Corps (2001–2002)
- General Manager, Production, Nigerian Naval Dockyard (2003)
- Director of Academic Research and Analytical Support (DARAS), National War College (2004–2005)
Gboribiogha played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s naval engineering achievements, including the construction of the Mine Counter-Measures Vessel Squadron in Italy and the first Nigerian Naval Warship, NNS ADONI, which was commissioned in 2012. He retired from the Nigerian Navy in 2010 after serving as Commandant of the National Defence College, Abuja.
Legacy
Gboribiogha holds the distinction of being “Daggered” four times—an honor reserved for officers with the highest number of military accolades. He received this recognition at the Command and Staff College, Jaji; the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Ghana; the National Defence College, Abuja; and its precursor, the National War College.
Awards and Recognition
- Distinguished Service Star (DSS), 2001
- Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), 2017
- National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), awarded by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
- President of the International Association of Peace Training Centers, 2008–2009
Political Life
After retiring from the military in 2010, Gboribiogha entered politics. He was elected Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State in 2012, serving alongside Governor Henry Seriake Dickson. Despite challenges, including limited autonomy in the civilian setting, he played a supportive role in the administration. In 2019, he contested for the position of Governor but lost the party primaries to Senator Douye Diri.
Currently, Gboribiogha is the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Elders Forum and resides peacefully in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Family and Faith
He is married to Mrs. Seleipre Jonah (née Bonnie) from Nembe, and they have five children. Formerly a staunch Anglican, Gboribiogha is now a devout member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).
