Rivers lawmakers reject N100,000 Christmas gift from Fubara

The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have turned down a N100,000 Christmas bonus credited to their accounts, saying the payment was ordered by Governor Siminalayi Fubara without legislative approval and therefore violated due process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, said the lawmakers neither requested nor approved the payment and promptly returned the funds.

According to the lawmakers, the transfer was made directly from the state’s coffers on Tuesday on the governor’s instruction, without any appropriation or authorisation by the legislature.

They described the move as unlawful, insisting that public funds must be spent strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

The lawmakers further accused Fubara of repeatedly withdrawing money from the state’s consolidated revenue account since assuming office in 2023 without the consent of the House, alleging a pattern of disregard for the constitution and a Supreme Court ruling.

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“We are aware of officials who connive to breach the laws of Rivers State. Such actions are illegal, and this House will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities,” the lawmakers stated.

They contrasted their action with the Christmas bonuses paid to civil servants in Rivers State, noting that those payments followed established approval processes, unlike the transfer made to legislators.

The Rivers Assembly, which is aligned with former governor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has adjourned plenary until January 26, 2026.

Meanwhile, Fubara is yet to present the 2026 budget or submit a list of commissioner nominees, and currently runs the state with only eight commissioners following a Supreme Court ruling recognising Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.

The Star