Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have announced the return of the N100,000 Christmas bonus paid to them by the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited and lacking legislative approval.
The lawmakers said the cash gift was part of funds released by the governor for civil servants and some public office holders in the state to mark the festive season, but stressed that the Assembly neither requested nor approved such payment.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, the Assembly rejected the money and accused the governor of continued disregard for the law in the management of public funds.
George said, “Today, the 30th day of December 2025, Honourable members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank credit alerts of the sum of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) each. The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalaye Fubara GSSRS, to the personal accounts of members.
“Upon discovery of these unsolicited and unapproved transfers, Honourable Members of the House took immediate steps to formally return the said funds to the account of the Rivers State Government.”
He explained that the Assembly, as an institution governed by law, would not associate itself with any action that undermines constitutional provisions.
According to George, the governor has, since 2023, repeatedly withdrawn funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of the state without legislative approval, despite warnings from the House and existing court judgments.
He said, “As an institution established by law and guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval.
“The Governor, since assumption of office in 2023, has consistently drawn from the consolidated revenue accounts of Rivers State without legislative approval, despite repeated warnings from the House, judgment of the Supreme Court and in defiance of the Constitution and principles of separation of powers.
“Therefore, with the leave of Mr Speaker and the entire House, I cease this medium to once again draw the attention of all staff of the Rivers State Government who connive with the Governor and others to contravene the Constitution and laws of Rivers State to the fact that we have become aware of their unlawful conduct.”
What you should know
The rejection of the N100,000 Christmas bonus by Rivers lawmakers underscores the deepening rift between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
At the centre of the dispute are allegations of unconstitutional spending and disregard for legislative authority by the governor. The House’s action reflects its attempt to assert constitutional oversight over public finances and enforce separation of powers.
The controversy also highlights ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, which have persisted since 2023 and continue to shape governance, accountability, and the relationship between elected institutions.
