Fresh tension has erupted in Rivers State as the House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of neglecting public schools, despite the over N600bn reportedly left in state accounts by former Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), when the emergency rule ended in September.
The criticism came just days after Fubara inspected the refurbished Assembly complex and expressed optimism that it would be ready for his 2026 budget presentation.
Lawmakers Decry ‘Shameful’ Conditions in Public Schools
The renewed confrontation was triggered by the report of the House Committee Chairman on Education, Igwe Aforji, who visited Township School 1 and 2 on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, and described the facilities as deplorable.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule said lawmakers were shocked to discover that a single teacher was handling two classes - Primary 1 and 2 - inside one overcrowded classroom.
“One teacher is managing two classrooms under one roof. Pupils take turns listening while the other class waits. This is happening in Rivers State in 2025,” Amaewhule lamented.
He added that the schools lacked electricity, toilets, and security even though they sit close to the Government House and the PHED headquarters.
“Vandals have taken over and destroyed what is left. Yet the Executive Council has done nothing,” he said.
Amaewhule argued that the alleged neglect is indefensible, especially with more than N600bn left in state coffers at the end of the emergency administration.
Fubara Acknowledges Decay, Blames Longstanding Rot
Although the governor did not directly respond to the lawmakers, he maintained that education remains a priority and promised that the sector would receive the highest allocation in the 2026 budget.
Fubara said the decay long predates his administration and was a major campaign issue used against him in 2023.
“You all know these problems didn’t start today. During the campaign, they said there were no teachers in Etche, in Gokana, across the state. That is the reality we met,” he said.
‘Peace Only Returned After Emergency Rule’
Reflecting on the political turmoil that paralysed the state last year, Fubara said governance only stabilised after President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed in March 2025.
The emergency intervention had followed a fierce power tussle between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which led to parallel Speakers, a bombed Assembly complex, and alleged impeachment plots.
“If we are sincere, the only time we’ve had peace is after returning from the emergency. Before then, was there even one week without crisis?” the governor asked.
Health, Jobs and Traditional Rulers’ Role
Fubara also highlighted ongoing rehabilitation of zonal hospitals, welfare improvements for health workers, and plans for job creation, including the anticipated 10,000 civil service slots - though he insisted that recruitment would not be politicised.
The governor thanked traditional rulers for helping maintain calm during the political crisis while speaking at the combined 3rd and 4th quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
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