Nigerian-born public servant Shirley Emehelu has been appointed by Governor Mikie Sherrill as the fifth Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, marking the first time in state history that two women concurrently occupy its top executive offices.
Emehelu, who emigrated from Nigeria as a child, was officially sworn in at the Statehouse alongside her dual role as Secretary of State by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
Sherrill commended Emehelu’s career track record in financial crimes prosecution, consumer protection, civil rights defense, and oversight during her period serving as Acting Secretary of State.
In accepting the role, Emehelu stated, “As a Black woman and Nigerian American, I’m proud of what this appointment represents for our state, and especially for the communities that share my heritage.”
The legal practitioner and Yale Law School graduate previously served as New Jersey’s Acting State Comptroller, Executive Assistant Attorney General, and federal prosecutor, filling the vacancy following the resignation of former lieutenant governor Dale Caldwell in Trenton.
