The University of Calabar conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Law upon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during its convocation ceremony commemorating the institution’s 50th anniversary.
The distinction was bestowed by the university’s Chancellor, Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, at the conference center of the institution.
The occasion was attended by distinguished personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside his spouse, who also received an honorary doctorate.
Other legislators, such as Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong and Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi, were in attendance.
Wike’s honorary law degree is awarded amidst a period of heightened political tension in Rivers State, where his involvement has been associated with the turmoil that ensued following President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in the area.
Reports further suggest that Wike extended financial assistance to Senate President Akpabio to garner legislative support for Tinubu’s initiative.
According to sources referenced by SaharaReporters, Akpabio intentionally postponed the Senate’s deliberation on the emergency rule until later in the day, thereby ensuring that only a limited number of senators were present.
“Wike allegedly provided funds to Akpabio after Tinubu directed him to lay the groundwork for the state of emergency. Over $3 million was reportedly handed over during their meeting,” a source claimed.
It was further alleged that Akpabio later invited select senators for Iftar, distributing cash incentives in dollars based on their ranks.
