Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly acknowledged that his continuation in office following the six-month emergency rule declared in the state was made possible through what he described as the “special favour” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor made this emotional and politically significant disclosure while reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to fully funding Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara spoke on Saturday during the combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremony of the university, an event that brought together graduating students, parents, academic staff, principal officers of the institution, traditional rulers, government functionaries, and other dignitaries from across the state and beyond.
The convocation ceremony, which marked another academic milestone for the state-owned institution, also provided a platform for the governor to reflect on the political turbulence that shook Rivers State in recent months, the temporary disruption of democratic governance, and his administration’s determination to stabilize the education sector despite the challenges.
“By the Special Favour of Mr President”
In his address at the ceremony, Governor Fubara directly referenced the political crisis that led to the temporary interruption of democratic governance in Rivers State and the declaration of emergency rule. He observed that many of the challenges facing the state and its institutions would not have arisen if the crisis had not occurred.
“Like you said, a report was given to us. But 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,” Fubara said.
The remark drew attention to the critical role played by President Tinubu in the resolution of the political impasse that shook the state and threatened the continuity of the elected government. Though the governor did not dwell extensively on the political details, his statement was widely interpreted as a rare public admission of federal intervention that helped preserve his administration.
Emergency Rule and Democratic Disruption
Rivers State had earlier plunged into a period of political uncertainty following severe tensions between the executive and other political actors in the state. The crisis escalated to the point where democratic governance was temporarily suspended, leading to a six-month emergency rule that saw the federal government take extraordinary measures to stabilize the state.
During that period, regular government activities were disrupted, decision-making slowed, and several development initiatives were put on hold. Civil servants, contractors, educational institutions, and investors all felt the ripple effects of the political instability.
Governor Fubara’s comments at the convocation underscored the deep impact of the emergency period on governance and institutional operations. He implied that several administrative and developmental challenges confronting RSU and other state-owned institutions were direct consequences of that disruption.
Reaffirming Commitment to Rivers State University
Despite the turbulence that characterized a significant portion of his administration’s first year, Governor Fubara assured the RSU community that education would remain a top priority for his government. He reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to sustaining full funding for the university and to supporting both staff and students.
According to the governor, his government recognizes the strategic importance of RSU as a hub for manpower development, research, innovation, and socio-economic growth, not just for Rivers State but for the broader Niger Delta region.
“We remain committed to funding the university and ensuring that it continues to function at the level expected of a first-class institution. Education remains the backbone of our development agenda, and Rivers State University will continue to receive the attention it deserves,” Fubara assured.
He further pledged that his administration would continue to address infrastructure deficits, staff welfare concerns, and academic needs within the limits of available resources.
RSU Management Raises Institutional Challenges
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University had highlighted several challenges confronting the institution, including funding gaps, infrastructure strain caused by expanding student population, rising operational costs, and the need for more modern teaching and research facilities.
The management also presented a report of ongoing projects and institutional needs to the state government, urging the governor to intervene in critical areas to ensure the university’s continued growth and competitiveness.
Responding to these concerns, Governor Fubara linked many of the unresolved issues to the disruption caused by the political crisis and emergency rule. He explained that several planned interventions were delayed due to the extraordinary circumstances that engulfed the state.
However, he assured the university community that his administration was now repositioned to refocus on governance and development following the restoration of full democratic order.
Education as a Pillar of Fubara’s Governance Agenda
Since assuming office, Governor Fubara has consistently projected education as a central pillar of his development blueprint for Rivers State. His administration has repeatedly emphasized the need to strengthen public education, particularly at the tertiary level, as a foundation for long-term economic diversification and youth empowerment.
The governor has supported policies aimed at improving access to quality education, upgrading learning facilities, encouraging research and innovation, and ensuring stable industrial relations within educational institutions.
At the convocation ceremony, he restated his belief that sustained investment in education remains the most effective way to tackle unemployment, reduce crime, and build a knowledge-driven economy in the state.
“Our young people must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to compete not only in Nigeria but globally. That is why this administration will not turn its back on education, regardless of the challenges we face,” he said.
Convocation Ceremony: A Celebration of Academic Excellence
The combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremony of Rivers State University was a colorful academic event that celebrated academic achievement, resilience, and institutional growth. Hundreds of graduates were awarded first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees across various faculties.
Parents, guardians, and well-wishers thronged the campus to witness their children and wards take a major step into professional life. The ceremony was also an occasion for conferring honorary degrees on distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions to society.
In his goodwill message to the graduates, Governor Fubara urged them to embody the values of integrity, diligence, and service as they step into the larger society.
“You are leaving this institution not just with certificates but with responsibility. You owe Rivers State and Nigeria the duty to contribute positively to nation-building,” he told the graduating students.
Staff Welfare and Industrial Harmony
In addition to funding commitments, the governor also assured the RSU community of his government’s readiness to work with staff unions to promote industrial harmony and improve staff welfare.
He acknowledged that academic and non-academic staff are the backbone of the institution and that their motivation directly affects the quality of education delivered to students.
According to him, his administration would continue to engage constructively with university unions to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Political Undertone of Fubara’s Remarks
Governor Fubara’s acknowledgment of President Tinubu’s role in his political survival has generated significant political interest across Rivers State and beyond. Analysts view his remarks as a rare moment of political candor in a highly charged environment.
Some observers interpret the statement as a signal of rapprochement between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government after months of intense political tension. Others see it as a pragmatic recognition of the realities of power and federal influence in Nigeria’s political system.
Regardless of interpretation, the governor’s words reflect the depth of the crisis that once threatened the stability of his administration and the extraordinary measures taken to restore order.
Public Reactions Across Rivers State
The governor’s remarks at the convocation have sparked widespread reactions among political stakeholders, civil society groups, students, and the general public across Rivers State.
Supporters of the governor have praised his humility and acknowledgment of divine and institutional intervention during the crisis. They argue that his survival in office has given him a second chance to deepen governance reforms and deliver on his campaign promises.
However, critics contend that the emergency rule exposed structural weaknesses in the state’s political system and called for broader constitutional and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
Within the university community, students and staff largely welcomed the governor’s renewed commitment to funding and support, expressing hope that lingering challenges would now be addressed with greater urgency.
Looking Ahead: Governance After the Crisis
With the political storm that once engulfed Rivers State now largely calmed, attention has shifted back to governance, service delivery, and development. Governor Fubara’s appearance at the RSU convocation and his statements there are widely seen as part of his effort to reassert control, rebuild public confidence, and refocus on his policy priorities.
Education, healthcare, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and security are expected to dominate the next phase of his administration as he seeks to demonstrate that Rivers State has fully emerged from its recent political turmoil.
A Defining Moment for Fubara’s Leadership
Governor Fubara’s public acknowledgment of President Tinubu’s “special favour” in ensuring the continuity of his administration marks a defining moment in his political journey. It reflects both the fragility of democratic institutions in times of crisis and the decisive role of federal authority in stabilizing subnational governments.
At the same time, his strong recommitment to Rivers State University and the broader education sector signals his intention to steer governance back to its developmental course.
As Rivers State continues its recovery from months of instability, stakeholders will be keenly watching to see whether the promises made at the convocation translate into tangible improvements in funding, infrastructure, staff welfare, and academic standards at the state’s flagship university.
For now, the combined convocation ceremony of RSU stands not only as a celebration of academic success but also as a symbolic marker of political survival, renewed administrative focus, and cautious optimism for the future of education and governance in Rivers State.
