Governor Vs. Speaker: Rivers Schools’ Plight Sparks Political Tension

A fresh political clash unfolded in Rivers State on Monday as the State House of Assembly criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing his administration of neglecting public schools despite the state having substantial financial reserves.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Lawmakers highlighted that the immediate past Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, left over ₦600 billion in state coffers when he exited office in September. Members of the Assembly accused the government of paying mere lip service to the ongoing public school crisis, with hundreds of teachers struggling amid poor facilities and deteriorating infrastructure.

During a visit to Township Schools 1 and 2 along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, House Committee Chairman on Education, Hon. Igwe Aforji, described the conditions as deplorable. Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, lamented that public education in the state had hit rock bottom, noting that pupils were forced to learn in suffocating environments while teachers labored without reinforcements.

Amaewhule explained, “As of yesterday, one teacher was found teaching Primary 1 and Primary 2 in the same classroom. The teacher would teach Primary 1 while Primary 2 listens, then switch. Children are literally blocking their ears, all in one room.”

He also drew attention to the lack of basic amenities, citing a school near the government house and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company headquarters that had no power, toilets, or security. “Vandals have taken over the school and destroyed the little facilities available. The Rivers State Executive Council has done nothing,” he said.

The Speaker criticized the continued neglect despite the ₦600 billion left in state accounts by Ibas, warning: “We cannot continue to fold our arms while children suffer and teachers cry. How can anyone accept that in 2025, one teacher teaches two classrooms under one roof with no toilet, no electricity, next to PHED headquarters? It is unacceptable.”

In response, Governor Fubara acknowledged the poor state of schools but stressed that the decay predated his administration and had been politicized during the 2023 campaigns. He assured that improving education remains a priority, revealing that the sector would receive the largest allocation in the 2026 budget.

“You all know the deplorable state of our schools. They didn’t deteriorate in a month or a year. Opponents even used it against me during campaigns, asking what we were doing in places like Etche and Gokana,” Fubara said.

He added that political instability had slowed progress, stating, “We only experienced peace after returning from the emergency. Before that, we never had even a week of uninterrupted governance.”

Fubara emphasized that his administration is strategically working to reverse the decline in education, drawing on his public administration experience for planning and reforms. On healthcare, he highlighted ongoing hospital upgrades and welfare interventions for workers.

Regarding employment, the governor reiterated the government’s commitment to creating jobs, including 10,000 anticipated positions, emphasizing that recruitment will be needs-based and non-politicized.