University of Calabar honours Wike with doctorate in law

The University of Calabar conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Law upon Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during its convocation ceremony celebrating the institution’s 50th anniversary.

The Chancellor of the university, Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, presented the honour at the university’s conference center. The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and his spouse, who also received an honorary doctorate. Other attendees included lawmakers such as Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong and Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi.

Wike’s honorary degree arrives amidst significant political unrest in Rivers State, where he has been associated with the turmoil following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the area.

Reports suggest that Wike financially supported Senate President Akpabio to garner legislative backing for Tinubu’s decision. Sources referenced by SaharaReporters indicate that Akpabio intentionally postponed the Senate discussion on the emergency rule to a later time, resulting in a limited number of senators being present.

Allegations state that Wike provided Akpabio with over $3 million during a meeting, following Tinubu’s instructions to prepare for the state of emergency. Furthermore, it is claimed that Akpabio subsequently hosted select senators for Iftar, distributing cash incentives in dollars according to their ranks.