Nigerian-born Emehelu becomes New Jersey lieutenant governor

Nigerian-born lawyer Shirley U. Emehelu has become New Jersey’s lieutenant governor after Governor Mikie Sherrill appointed her on Monday.

Sherrill’s office announced the appointment, saying Emehelu assumed office that day and would continue serving as secretary of state.

The appointment puts women in the state’s two highest executive offices together for the first time. The governor’s office identifies Emehelu as New Jersey’s fifth lieutenant governor and the first immigrant to hold the position.

Emehelu moved from Nigeria to the United States at the age of three, Punch reported. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees at Yale University.

Before joining the state government, she spent nine years as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey, handling financial fraud cases and leading asset recovery and anti-money-laundering work.

She served as executive assistant attorney general from 2022 to 2024, and later as acting state comptroller and acting secretary of state. Sherrill said her record in consumer protection, civil rights and tackling waste informed the selection.

Emehelu said her priorities in the new role included lowering costs, expanding opportunities and improving how government serves residents.

Sources: Governor’s appointment announcement; Official biography; Punch; Vanguard