In an unusual turn of political events, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have refused a ₦100,000 “Christmas bonus” that was credited to their personal bank accounts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and promptly returned the money to the state treasury. The legislature described the payment as unsolicited and unapproved, saying it violated constitutional provisions and fiscal due process.
Lawmakers, through a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, said the transfers were made without the legislature’s prior approval, something they said was required for all public expenditures. They noted that since Governor Fubara assumed office in 2023, withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account had often bypassed legislative oversight, even after a Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed constitutional restrictions on executive spending.
The Assembly insisted that upholding the rule of law and separation of powers is more important than accepting what might be seen as a goodwill gesture, even during the festive season. Members also warned state government officials against participating in financial actions that contravene the Constitution and pledged to continue defending legislative oversight and accountability.
The rejection comes amid ongoing political friction in Rivers State between the executive and legislative branches, a feud that has escalated in recent months over issues of authority and governance.
