The political crisis in Rivers State deepened as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the state Governor, Siminlaryi Fubara, attended separate events in Port Harcourt on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
Wike was at the burial of Chief Ejor’s mother in Eleme, where he was accompanied by prominent figures such as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, and other lawmakers.
Other dignitaries at the burial included the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the NDDC, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Elder Ferdinand Alabraba, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Allwell Ihunda, and various local government chairmen.
Meanwhile, Fubara graced the 35th convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University (RSU) at the Convocation Arena in Nkpolu-Orworukwo, Port Harcourt, where he pledged to boost the university’s capacity and make it one of the best in the country.
Fubara emphasized the importance of education as the basis for a strong, fair, and progressive society, admitting funding difficulties. He promised to support RSU and make it a leading institution.
Fubara commended the result-driven leadership of RSU, assuring the release of approved grants by December 18, 2023.
He also highlighted education development as a key priority in the 2024 budget, promising resources for critical issues, such as campus development, power supply, hostels, and improved security.
The absence of Wike and Fubara at each other’s events added to the existing tension between them, as they were previously seen together at public functions.
During the convocation, the Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof Nlerum Okogbule, announced that 6,326 graduates received degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and Ph.Ds.
He also noted that the university has full accreditation for all 24 programs and increased admission quotas for key programs.
The Chancellor of RSU, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1, stressed the need for adequate funding for tertiary institutions to conduct research that would address the country’s developmental needs.
