Rivers Assembly Members Reject Fubara’s N100,000 Christmas Bonus

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have rejected a N100,000 Christmas bonus allegedly credited to their personal bank accounts on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited, unapproved, and contrary to due process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, disclosed that the lawmakers had already begun steps to return the funds, insisting that all public expenditures must receive legislative approval before disbursement.

According to the statement, titled “Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara,” the transfers were made without the consent or authorisation of the legislature.

George stated that on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank alerts reflecting the payment of N100,000 each. He said the funds were transferred into the personal accounts of lawmakers on the instructions of the governor, without prior approval by the House.

He added that upon discovering the transfers, lawmakers immediately resolved to return the money to the Rivers State Government, stressing their commitment to constitutional governance and fiscal accountability.

The lawmaker further accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly withdrawing funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval since assuming office in 2023, despite warnings from the House, a Supreme Court judgment, and constitutional provisions on separation of powers.

George warned civil servants allegedly facilitating such transactions to desist, describing their actions as unlawful. He said the Assembly was aware of officials who had been conniving with the executive to contravene the Constitution and the laws of Rivers State, assuring residents that the House would not relent in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in the state. The House had earlier adjourned plenary sittings to January 26, 2026, while Governor Fubara is yet to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill or submit names of commissioner-nominees for legislative screening.

Since his return from suspension following the lifting of emergency rule in the state, the governor has continued to operate with eight commissioners who were not affected by the Supreme Court judgment recognising Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.