The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has extended congratulations to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the conferment of an honorary doctorate by the University of Port Harcourt.
Wike was honored with the Doctor of Science (D.Sc) during UNIPORT’s 50th anniversary and 35th convocation ceremony held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
In a congratulatory statement, Fubara described the award as “well-deserved,” citing Wike’s legacy as a two-term governor and his current role as FCT 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,” Fubara said.
He added that Wike’s leadership has “positively impacted countless lives and rekindled public confidence in governance.”
“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,” Fubara remarked.
Speaking at the event, Wike recounted his contributions to the institution, particularly in establishing its Faculty of Law.
“You would recall that even though this university was established in 1975 as a conventional university, there was no law faculty in this university,” Wike 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.”
The congratulatory message comes amid an ongoing political reconciliation between Wike and Fubara.
On June 26, both leaders announced they had agreed to work together for Rivers State’s peace after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. Reports indicated that Tinubu brokered a deal to reinstate Fubara as governor—on the condition that he would not seek re-election in 2027.
The political crisis in Rivers had escalated earlier this year, leading to President Tinubu declaring emergency rule on March 18 and suspending Fubara and the state assembly. Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed sole administrator to oversee the state for an initial six-month period.