In a dramatic political development, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have collectively rejected and returned a sum of N100,000 each, which was credited to their personal bank accounts as a Christmas bonus allegedly approved by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Unconstitutional and Unsolicited Payment
The lawmakers, in a strong statement issued on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, described the payment as both unsolicited and a violation of constitutional provisions. They emphasized that all public expenditure must follow due process, which includes obtaining legislative approval.
The statement was signed by Enemi George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions, and Complaints. It revealed that the funds were discovered in the lawmakers' accounts on December 30, 2025, after which immediate steps were taken to formally return the money to the Rivers State Government's account.
A Pattern of Unapproved Spending
The Assembly used the occasion to level serious allegations against Governor Fubara. They accused him of a consistent pattern of drawing funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without the required legislative approval since he assumed office in 2023.
"The governor, since assumption of office in 2023, has consistently drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without legislative approval, despite repeated warnings from the House," the statement read. The lawmakers cited a Supreme Court judgment on the matter, which they claim the governor has defied.
Furthermore, the House warned civil servants who might be collaborating with the executive arm to contravene the constitution and state laws, stating they were aware of such unlawful conduct.
Broader Political Tensions in Rivers
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political friction in the oil-rich state. The Assembly noted that Governor Fubara is yet to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill for consideration and has not forwarded the names of commissioner-nominees as requested.
Interestingly, this rejection contrasts with celebrations by civil servants in the state, who received a N100,000 Christmas bonus approved by the governor—a policy he has maintained for two years.
The political standoff is further complicated by the recognition of Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker by the Supreme Court. The House had adjourned plenary to January 26, 2026, amid these tensions, while the governor continues to operate with a cabinet of eight commissioners.
