By Efegadirim MADUABUCHI

 The University of Calabar has honoured former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke for his far reaching policies which transformed the quasi-rural
State into international tourist destination and and environmental friendly State.

 A foremost female politician from the State, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa was equally honoured for championing the cause of the Bakassi people and for her enormous contributions to national development, while  the Senate President, Senator  Bukola Saraki, was honoured  for his contributions to the growth of Kwara State and the nation's political development.

 The trio were conferred with honorary  doctorate degree 'Honoris Causa' by the second generation University Saturday at its 29th convocation ceremony.

 Vice-Chancellor of the University,   Prof. Zana Akpagu speaking during the  ceremony held at the Abraham Odia Stadium, proffered that the University graduated "a total number of 7,222 graduands, comprising 4,868 first degrees, 952 higher degrees and 1,402 diplomas. Quite remarkably, we have 12 first class degrees, 1,026 second class upper, 280 second class lower, 760 third class division and 90 pass degress.”

 Pro-Chancellor of the University and chairman of the University's Governing Council, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuayanwu said: "For the first time since I assumed duty as Pro-Chancellor, we are awarding honourary degrees to three illustrous citizens of Nigeria: Senator Bukala Saraki, President of the Senate. By that position, he is the chairman of the National Assembly, and a very important arm of our democracy.”

 According to Iwuanyanwu, success in governance depends to a great extent, on the cooperation existing between the legislature and the executive.

 "So far we have observed very cordial active cooperation between the two arms of government. This development is very important to the ordinary people of Nigeria," he stated.