…assuring Rivers residents that the Assembly would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without compromise.
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday declined a N100,000 “Christmas gift” paid into the personal accounts of lawmakers on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the transfer as unsolicited and illegal.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, the lawmakers stressed that the disbursement of public funds must follow due process, including legislative approval.
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,” the statement disclosed that the money was immediately returned.
According to the lawmakers, each member of the 10th Assembly received a credit alert of N100,000 on December 30, 2025, an action they said was carried out on the governor’s instructions without prior approval.
George accused the governor of repeatedly withdrawing funds from the state’s consolidated revenue account without legislative authorisation since assuming office in 2023, in violation of constitutional provisions and Supreme Court rulings.
He alleged that some civil servants had connived with the governor to breach the law, assuring Rivers residents that the Assembly would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without compromise.
The lawmakers noted that while civil servants in the state received Christmas bonuses through approved processes, the payment to legislators bypassed due procedure, prompting their rejection.
The House has adjourned plenary until January 26, 2026, as Governor Fubara is yet to present the 2026 appropriation bill or forward a list of commissioner-nominees. The state has been operating with only eight commissioners unaffected by the Supreme Court ruling recognising Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a visit to Khana in Khana Local Government Area, cautioned Rivers residents against what he described as repeating a leadership error in 2027.
Although Wike did not directly mention Governor Fubara, his comments were widely seen as a reference to the ongoing political tussle in the state.
“We will not make a mistake again. Your ticket is not automatic; it must be earned and presented to the people,” Wike said, warning against complacency ahead of future elections.
He also emphasised unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda, downplaying party affiliations and urging residents to align with their leaders.
Wike credited President Bola Tinubu with supporting Rivers communities through infrastructure projects, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and the pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine.
Backing Wike’s stance, APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom, declared Gokana Local Government a political stronghold of the minister, while former senator Magnus Abe and Gokana council chairman, Confidence Deko, pledged continued support for Wike and President Tinubu.
Wike concluded by saying that both the APC and PDP in Rivers State are now working together under the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring residents of sustained collaboration for the development of the state.
