Rivers Lawmakers Return N100,000 Christmas Bonus, Criticize Fubara’s Unlawful Spending

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned the N100,000 Christmas bonus credited to their accounts by Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, describing the gift as unsolicited and unapproved.

The lawmakers said the governor’s action reflects a pattern of spending state funds without following legal procedures. The bonus had been part of a festive payout intended for civil servants and certain public office holders in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday night, signed by Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the Assembly confirmed that the funds were promptly returned to the state treasury.

George said: “On December 30, 2025, Honourable Members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank credit alerts of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) each. The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara to members’ personal accounts. Upon discovering the unauthorized transfers, the House took immediate action to return the funds to the account of the Rivers State Government.”

He stressed that the Assembly, as a law-abiding institution, will not participate in any activity that bypasses legal procedures. George also accused the governor of repeatedly withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Accounts of the state since 2023 without legislative approval, despite warnings from the House and rulings from the Supreme Court.

He added: “All public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval. Since assuming office in 2023, the Governor has consistently withdrawn from the state’s consolidated revenue accounts without approval, in defiance of the Constitution and principles of separation of powers. We are aware of unlawful conduct by staff who collude with the Governor and will continue to hold them accountable.”