Tinubu’s favour returned me as gov – Fubara

File: Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said God’s grace and President Bola Tinubu’s intervention restored him to office after what he described as a six-month suspension and an emergency rule declared by the President.

Fubara spoke on Saturday during the combined 37th and 38th convocation of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Responding to the challenges of the university and the requests presented by its management, the governor said most of the issues would not have arisen if democracy had not been “interrupted” in the state.

He said, “You all know what happened in the life of our administration. It is only by the special grace of God, the special favour from Mr President, that we are standing here still as the ones presiding over the affairs of Rivers State.

“So, I assure you that now that we are back with the support of all stakeholders, we will resume our responsibilities and ensure that every complaint mentioned here will be addressed.”

Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its funding obligations to the university as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector in the state.

He said his government would prioritise closing infrastructural gaps, improving security, and enhancing staff and student welfare. He added that satellite campuses outside Port Harcourt, especially those facing operational challenges, would receive accelerated attention in 2026.

“We will continue to fulfil our financial obligations to the university, ensuring improved infrastructure as well as the security and welfare of staff and students. Education remains the most vital investment for national development,” Fubara said.

The governor praised the growth of the university and commended its commitment to quality education, intellectual development and leadership training aligned with the state’s and nation’s development needs.

He urged the university leadership to intensify research and innovation efforts, noting their importance in addressing socio-economic challenges in the state and across Nigeria.

Fubara congratulated the 13,242 graduates who earned degrees, diplomas and certificates during the combined convocation, and expressed appreciation to parents, guardians, the Governing Council and staff for supporting the students’ academic journey.

He encouraged the graduates to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the state and the country’s improving economic landscape, urging them to embrace entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, expressed delight at presiding over his first convocation since his appointment by Governor Fubara on March 6, 2025.

He highlighted progress made under his administration, including securing accommodation for 40,000 students and obtaining full accreditation for all programmes despite significant obstacles.

Providing a breakdown of the graduates, the VC disclosed that 10,648 of the 13,242 received first degrees, while 2,594 completed postgraduate programmes. Of these, 157 graduated with First Class honours; 2,587 with Second Class Upper; and 6,275 with Second Class Lower.

The Chancellor, HRH Dr. Sidi Mohammad, lauded the Fubara administration for making RSU one of the best-funded public universities in Nigeria.

Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Okey Wali, SAN, commended the governor’s funding support, noting that it had significantly boosted the university’s operational capacity.

Wali, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, also unveiled a five-year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030) aimed at transforming RSU into a globally recognised institution of choice.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers were absent at the event.

Amaewhule and 16 other members of the House had, during plenary on Friday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress and passed a resolution to continue sitting at the State Legislative Quarters along Aba Road.

Fubara, during an inspection of the newly constructed Assembly Complex, had earlier expressed his desire to see full legislative activities take place there, adding that he hoped to present the 2026 appropriation bill in the new facility.

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