by Samuel Akpan
Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state, has congratulated Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), on the confirment of an honorary doctorate by the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Wike was bestowed with the honorary doctor of science (D.Sc) during the University of Port Harcourt’s 50th anniversary and 35th convocation ceremony held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
In a congratulatory statement, Fubara described the honour as “well-deserved”, citing Wike’s legacy of service as a two-term governor and his current role as minister.
“This distinguished recognition is not only a celebration of your illustrious accomplishments, but a testament to your contributions to education, governance, and the betterment of society,” he said.
Fubara said Wike’s contributions have positively impacted countless lives and rekindled public confidence in leadership.
“It is only fitting that your alma mater honours you for your outstanding dedication and the strategic role you continue to play in shaping Nigeria’s future,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Wike said he always gives to the institution whenever he has the opportunity.
“You would recall that even though this university was established in 1975 as a conventional university, there was no law faculty in this university,” he said.
“So when I became a minister of state [for education during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration], I saw it as an opportunity for us to have a faculty of law.
“I’m glad the vice-chancellor said we have a law faculty today. I did not end at that, I said there must be a befitting faculty of law building, and I insisted, and today, we have that faculty of law.”
On June 26, Wike and Fubara said they have agreed to work together for the state’s peace.
They made the comment after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, alongside some members of the Rivers assembly.
TheCable had reported that Tinubu agreed to reinstate Fubara as the governor of the state — but with the condition that he would not seek re-election in 2027.
On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers over the political crisis and instability in the state occasioned by the feud between Wike and Fubara.
The president suspended Fubara and Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator.
