PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (FN) — Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have rejected and returned ₦100,000 credited to their personal accounts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling the payment unsolicited and unconstitutional.
The bonus was part of a festive package the governor had approved for civil servants and some public office holders in the state. But lawmakers said the transfer violated due process and undermined legislative authority.
In a statement Tuesday night, signed by Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the Assembly condemned the payment. George explained: “Today, the 30th day of December 2025, Honourable members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank credit alerts of the sum of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) each. The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, to the personal accounts of members. Upon discovery of these unsolicited and unapproved transfers, Honourable Members of the House took immediate steps to formally return the said funds to the account of the Rivers State Government.”
George emphasized that the Assembly, as an institution established by law, would not participate in actions that fall short of constitutional standards. He further accused Fubara of repeatedly withdrawing from the Consolidated Revenue Accounts of the state without legislative approval since 2023, despite warnings from the House. “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,” he said.
Wike–Fubara Feud Deepens Political Crisis
The rejection highlights the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, fueled by the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. Wike declared: “There is nothing like automatic ticket in politics. Rivers politics is built on structures, not sentiments.”
APC South‑South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom added: “You can’t win anything in Rivers without Wike. For Governor Fubara to succeed politically, he must pass through Wike.”
But community leaders in Wike’s hometown have rallied behind the governor. Lawson Chukwu, Chairman of the Eneka Community Development Committee, said: “We reaffirm our loyalty to Governor Fubara. His development efforts are commendable, and we urge him to continue.” Senator John Azuta‑Mbata also defended him: “Fubara has shown leadership, and Rivers people must rally behind him despite distractions.”
Traditional Rulers Urge Peace and Reform
King Alfred Diete‑Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon‑Brass and former Military Governor of Rivers State, urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively. He said: “This crisis requires an amicable resolution for the sake of peace and stability in Rivers State.” He further linked the turmoil to Nigeria’s wider governance challenges, calling for restructuring and decentralization: “Our current system is unwieldy and contributes to instability; we must reform it to secure lasting peace.”
Suspension and Impeachment Loom
The Assembly has already suspended Governor Fubara, signaling that impeachment proceedings remain possible if he continues to bypass legislative authority. Analysts warn that impeachment could plunge Rivers State deeper into turmoil and test the balance of power between the executive and legislature.
Other States Facing Assembly–Governor Clashes
Rivers is not alone. Similar battles have occurred in:
- Edo State: Obaseki vs. Oshiomhole factions, leading to parallel sittings and impeachment threats.
- Ondo State: Succession disputes during Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s illness.
- Benue State: Attempted impeachment of Governor Samuel Ortom after party defection.
These examples highlight how legislative–executive battles are not unique to Rivers, but part of a broader pattern of political instability across Nigeria’s states.
Civil society groups have praised the Rivers Assembly’s decision, noting that transparency and accountability are critical in a state where political battles have often overshadowed governance. For now, the ₦100,000 bonus remains returned to the state treasury, but the confrontation between Fubara and the Assembly — and the larger fight with Wike — appears far from over, with impeachment looming as a real possibility.
