Rivers State Assembly Rejects ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus from Governor Fubara Over Lack of Approval

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have refused to accept a ₦100,000 Christmas bonus sent to them by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that the payment was made without their approval and did not follow proper procedures.

The lawmakers described the cash gift as unsolicited and returned the funds to the state government account soon after receiving the alerts. They accused the governor of spending public money without legislative backing.

In a statement signed by Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the Assembly explained that the payments were directly credited to the personal accounts of members on the governor’s instructions.

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.”

He added that the members promptly returned the money to the Rivers State Government’s account upon discovering the unauthorized transfers.

The statement emphasized that the Assembly operates strictly under the Constitution and due process in all financial matters and would not support any illegal actions.

George noted that while the governor had approved a ₦100,000 festive bonus for civil servants and some public office holders, lawmakers were not consulted before the payment was extended to them.

He further accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly withdrawing funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval since taking office in 2023, despite warnings from the House and rulings from the Supreme Court.

“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,” George said.

He warned staff of the Rivers State Government against collaborating with the governor in violating the Constitution and laws of the state, stating that the Assembly is aware of such unlawful conduct.

The lawmakers urged all public officers to avoid actions that breach the law and stressed that accountability and transparency must guide all government spending.