Rivers Lawmakers Return ₦100,000 Transfer From Governor Fubara, Cite Due Process and Constitutional Concerns
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have formally returned a sum of ₦100,000 each that was transferred into their personal bank accounts on the directive of the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmakers described the payment as unsolicited and lacking legislative approval, insisting that all public expenditures must strictly follow constitutional and procedural requirements.
The development was disclosed in an official statement issued on Monday, December 30, 2025, and signed by Hon. Enemi Aabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints. According to the statement, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank alerts reflecting the transfer of ₦100,000 into their individual accounts earlier that day.
The House noted that the transfer was carried out on the instruction of the governor without prior notification, approval, or authorization from the legislature. Upon discovering the deposits, lawmakers said they took immediate steps to return the funds to the Rivers State Government’s account, stressing that accepting the money would amount to a breach of constitutional provisions governing public finance.
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“As an institution established by law and guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval,” the statement read. The lawmakers emphasized that their decision to return the funds was rooted in their obligation to uphold transparency, accountability, and the separation of powers.
The Assembly further accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly drawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without legislative authorization since assuming office in 2025. According to the statement, such actions persist despite warnings from the House, existing Supreme Court judgments, and clear constitutional provisions regulating the appropriation and disbursement of public funds.
This latest episode occurs amid prolonged political tensions within Rivers State, particularly the ongoing rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The power struggle has significantly shaped relations between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state, with lawmakers often perceived as aligned with the former governor and political heavyweight.
While the Assembly framed the return of the ₦100,000 as a principled stand, the action has generated mixed reactions among the public. Some residents and political commentators have praised the lawmakers for insisting on due process and rejecting any funds not backed by legislative approval. Others, however, have questioned the timing and intent of the move, describing it as politically motivated amid the ongoing feud between key political actors in the state.
There have also been claims from sections of the public that the ₦100,000 payment was part of a broader Christmas bonus allegedly paid to civil servants across Rivers State, not a targeted gesture toward lawmakers. These claims have further fueled debate over whether the Assembly’s response was necessary or selectively amplified because of existing political hostilities.
Despite the differing interpretations, the incident underscores the fragile relationship between the executive and legislature in Rivers State and highlights broader concerns about governance, financial transparency, and institutional independence. Analysts note that continued standoffs between both arms of government could have implications for budget approvals, policy implementation, and overall political stability in the state.
As the controversy unfolds, attention remains focused on whether both sides will seek dialogue or continue on a path of confrontation. For now, the return of the ₦100,000 has become another flashpoint in Rivers State’s evolving political landscape, reflecting deeper struggles over authority, loyalty, and control within the state’s power structure.