Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have unanimously rejected and returned the ₦100,000 Christmas bonus transferred to their personal accounts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmakers described the payment as unsolicited, unapproved, and a clear violation of financial regulations.
In a statement issued after an emergency session on December 30, 2025, the Assembly condemned the governor's action as an attempt to misuse public funds. "The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to the personal accounts of all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly," the statement read.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule emphasized the Assembly's commitment to transparency and accountability. "We have directed all members to return the funds immediately to the state's coffers. This governor continues to spend Rivers' money without appropriation, awarding contracts to cronies and flouting the law," he stated.
The rejection comes amid escalating tensions between the Assembly and Governor Fubara, including disputes over recent appointments deemed illegal by the lawmakers. A recent court ruling declared the state's ₦800 billion 2024 budget, signed by Fubara, as invalid, further highlighting governance issues.
The Assembly accused Fubara of contemptuous behavior and unauthorized spending, calling for an immediate halt to such practices. Members have already initiated the return of the funds and urged relevant authorities to investigate the matter.