Rivers State Lawmakers Reject, Return Governor’s N100,000 Christmas Bonus

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned a N100,000 Christmas bonus issued to them by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited and unauthorized.

In a statement released on Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, the lawmakers confirmed they received the individual payments on December 30 but promptly initiated refunds to the state government account.

George stated that the Assembly, as an institution bound by law, could not accept funds that did not follow due process. He emphasized that all public expenditure must receive legislative approval.

The statement further accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly withdrawing from the state’s consolidated revenue accounts without the Assembly’s authorization since 2023, despite warnings and in disregard of constitutional provisions and the principle of separation of powers.

The governor had earlier approved the disbursement of N100,000 each to civil servants and some public office holders in the state as a festive season benefit. The lawmakers’ rejection highlights ongoing tensions regarding fiscal procedure and governance in Rivers State.