Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned the ₦100,000 Christmas bonus paid to them by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited and not approved by the legislature.
The lawmakers said the governor continues to spend Rivers State funds without due regard for the law.
Governor Fubara had earlier approved the release of ₦100,000 to civil servants and some public office holders in the state to celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivities. However, the lawmakers rejected the payment made to them.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, the Assembly said that on December 30, 2025, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank alerts of ₦100,000 each.
According to the statement, the money was paid into the personal bank accounts of the lawmakers on the instruction of Governor Siminalayi Fubara without their consent or approval of the House.
George said that immediately the lawmakers discovered the transfers, they took steps to formally return the funds to the account of the Rivers State Government.
He explained that the Assembly, as an institution established by law and guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, would not participate in any action that falls short of legal and constitutional requirements.
He further accused the governor of repeatedly withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without legislative approval since assuming office in 2023.
According to him, these actions have continued despite repeated warnings from the House, judgments of the Supreme Court, and clear constitutional provisions on separation of powers.
The statement stressed that all public expenditure must follow due process and receive legislative approval, as required by law.
The lawmakers also warned staff of the Rivers State Government and other officials against conniving with the governor or any other persons to contravene the Constitution and laws of the state, noting that the House is aware of such unlawful conduct.
