Rivers Assembly Rejects Fubara’s ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Returns Funds Over Due Process Concerns
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have declined a ₦100,000 Christmas bonus credited to their personal bank accounts, describing the payment as unauthorised and contrary to due process.
The lawmakers maintained that the cash gift was neither requested nor approved by the legislature, stressing that it was paid without legislative consent. They added that the funds were promptly returned to the Rivers State Government shortly after the alerts were received.
PulseNets learnt that the Assembly views the payment as a breach of constitutional provisions governing public expenditure, accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of disbursing state funds without the backing of the legislature.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night and obtained by PulseNets, the House confirmed that the money was paid directly into the personal accounts of lawmakers. The statement was signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George.
Speaking on the development, 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 (₦100,000) each. This unsolicited and unapproved sum was transferred on the instruction of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, into the personal bank accounts of members.”
He added:
“Immediately this anomaly was discovered, Honourable Members of the House took decisive steps to formally refund the entire amount to the Rivers State Government account.”
George emphasised that the Assembly would not associate itself with any action capable of violating the law, noting that the House remains firmly guided by the Constitution and established financial procedures.
According to information PulseNets obtained, the governor had earlier approved a ₦100,000 festive bonus for civil servants and selected public office holders across the state. However, lawmakers said the decision to extend the payment to members of the Assembly was taken without consultation or approval.
George further alleged that since assuming office in 2023, the governor has repeatedly drawn funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative authorisation, despite several warnings.
He stated:
“As a constitutional institution operating strictly under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly insists that all public spending must comply with due process, including prior legislative approval.”
He continued:
“The Governor, since assuming office in 2023, has persistently made withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without the approval of the House, in spite of repeated resolutions, the judgment of the Supreme Court, and clear provisions of the Constitution on separation of powers.”
George also issued a caution to civil servants and public officials, saying:
“With the permission of Mr Speaker and the entire House, I use this medium to once again warn all staff of the Rivers State Government who may be conniving with the Governor or any other persons to breach the Constitution and laws of Rivers State that the House is fully aware of such unlawful acts.”
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The lawmakers reiterated that accountability, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law must guide all government spending in Rivers State.
