Rivers Assembly Lawmakers Reject Gov Fubara’s N100,000 Yuletide Gifts, Give Reasons

The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected and returned the sum of N100,000 credited to each lawmaker as Yuletide gifts from the state government, saying the funds were released without due process.

The money was reportedly paid from the government account on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. However, the Assembly insisted that all public expenditures must comply with constitutional provisions, including prior legislative approval.

The House stated that since the governor assumed office in 2023, he has repeatedly withdrawn funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without legislative authorization, despite several warnings from the Assembly, a Supreme Court judgment, and constitutional provisions guiding separation of powers.

According to the lawmakers, such actions undermine the rule of law and the authority of the legislature in matters of public finance.

Speaking on the development, George said the House was aware of an alleged connivance between some government officials and the governor to act in ways that contravene the constitution and the laws of Rivers State. He stressed that the Assembly would continue to resist any breach of due process and uphold its constitutional responsibilities.