The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected and returned a N100,000 payment credited to the personal accounts of lawmakers on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the transfer as unsolicited and a violation of due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, said the funds were transferred without legislative approval and were therefore unlawful. He stressed that public funds must follow constitutional procedures, including appropriation by the legislature.
According to the statement, titled “Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved N100,000 Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” lawmakers received bank alerts for the sum on December 30, 2025, and immediately returned the money.
George accused the governor of repeatedly withdrawing from the state’s consolidated revenue account without legislative authorization since assuming office in 2023, contrary to the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings. He added that the Assembly was aware of public officers allegedly aiding such actions and vowed that lawmakers would continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
The lawmakers noted that while civil servants received Christmas bonuses through approved channels, the transfer to legislators bypassed due process, raising further concerns.
The House is currently on recess and is expected to reconvene on January 26, 2026. Governor Fubara has yet to present the 2026 budget or forward the names of commissioner-nominees, as the state continues to operate with only eight commissioners unaffected by the Supreme Court decision recognising Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Rivers residents against what he described as repeating past leadership mistakes ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during a visit to Khana in Khana Local Government Area, Wike said political tickets were not automatic and must be earned.
Although he did not mention Governor Fubara by name, his remarks were widely seen as a reference to the ongoing political tensions in the state. Wike emphasised loyalty to leadership over party lines, stating that political alignment in Rivers now cuts across the APC and PDP under the Renewed Hope agenda.
He also credited President Bola Tinubu for several interventions in Rivers communities, including infrastructure projects, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment, and the presidential pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine.
Other political figures at the event, including APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom and former senator Magnus Abe, publicly pledged support for Wike and President Tinubu, declaring strong backing from Ogoni communities.
Wike concluded by calling for unity across the state, saying continued cooperation would ensure sustained development and benefits for Rivers people.
