PORT HARCOURT — The recent defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received a significant endorsement from former Governor Dr. Peter Odili, who described the move as timely and advantageous for the state’s development.
Speaking at the 8th Founders’ Day and 5th Convocation ceremony of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt on Friday, Odili stated that the governor’s realignment effectively places Rivers State in a position to gain more from the Federal Government.
“The alignment of Rivers State with the Federal Government is therefore perfect. We support it and encourage it because our people are now in the kitchen where the national cake is baked,” Odili said.
He lauded Governor Fubara for his investments in education and healthcare, particularly in building zonal hospitals and emphasizing primary healthcare, which he noted aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s health sector reforms.
Odili used the occasion to address the critical issue of brain drain in Nigeria’s medical sector, calling for an upward review of remuneration for health professionals and an extension of the retirement age to about 70 years to retain expertise.
Governor Fubara, represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting educational institutions like PAMO University, highlighting the scholarships provided to Rivers indigenes.
The event was also attended by the Chancellor of the university, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smith Jaja, who presented 126 graduating students across various medical disciplines.
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