Nigerian-born Emehelu becomes New Jersey's first immigrant lieutenant governor
Shirley Emehelu, who emigrated from Nigeria as a child, was sworn in on Monday and also took on the role of Secretary of State.
Nigerian-born American lawyer Shirley U. Emehelu has become the first immigrant to serve as Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. Governor Mikie Sherrill appointed her on Monday, making her the fifth person to hold the post. The appointment also means the state's two highest executive offices are held by women at the same time for the first time.
Sherrill said Emehelu's record in fighting financial crime, protecting consumers, defending civil rights and tackling government waste shaped the choice. Emehelu also took on the duties of Secretary of State. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner swore her in at the Statehouse in Trenton, with her husband and children present.
Emehelu said she hopes her appointment will encourage younger people to enter public service. She pledged to support the governor's work on living costs and economic opportunity. She previously served as New Jersey's Acting State Comptroller, overseeing efforts against fraud and waste involving public money.
Why it mattersNigerian-Americans gain one of the highest executive positions in US state government, and New Jersey's administration now includes two women in its top executive offices.