Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned a sum of N100,000 each that was transferred into their personal bank accounts on the instruction of the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmakers described the payment as unsolicited and unapproved, saying it violated constitutional rules on public spending.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday and signed by Hon. Enemi Aabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints. According to the statement, the money was credited to the accounts of members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly on December 30, 2025.
“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 each,” the statement said.
The lawmakers said the money was transferred without their consent and without approval by the House. They added that once they discovered the source of the funds, they took immediate action to return the money to the Rivers State Government.
“The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Sim Fubara, to the personal accounts of members,” the statement continued.
“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.”
The House stressed that as a democratic institution created by law, it must operate strictly within the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The lawmakers said all public spending must follow due process, including approval by the legislature.
“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 accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly spending state funds without approval from the Assembly since assuming office in 2025. They claimed that such actions go against constitutional provisions, court rulings, and the principle of separation of powers.
“The governor, since assuming office in 2025, has consistently drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without legislative approval, despite repeated warnings from the House, judgements of the Supreme Court, and in defiance of the Constitution and principles of separation of powers,” the statement added.
The incident has further deepened the political tension in Rivers State, which has been marked by a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Rivers State has been in the national spotlight since the fallout between Fubara and Wike became public. The dispute has led to sharp divisions within the state government and the House of Assembly, affecting governance and political stability.
Governor Fubara, who was widely seen as Wike’s political ally before becoming governor, has faced opposition from lawmakers believed to be loyal to the former governor. This has resulted in repeated clashes over control of the Assembly, budget approvals, and government spending.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has, on several occasions, accused the governor of ignoring the legislature and acting unilaterally. The Assembly has also cited court judgments, including those of the Supreme Court, which affirm the role of the legislature in approving state expenditures.
Civil society groups have weighed in on the issue, calling for restraint and dialogue. They have urged both the governor and the Assembly to put the interests of Rivers residents above political disagreements.
A Port Harcourt-based lawyer said the lawmakers were right to return the money if it was not approved by the Assembly. “Public funds must be spent according to the law. Even if the intention was good, due process must be followed,” he said.
Others, however, argue that the ongoing conflict is hurting governance in the state. They warn that continuous tension could delay projects, affect service delivery, and create uncertainty for investors.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government has not issued an official response to the lawmakers’ action or the claims made in the statement. It is also unclear why the money was transferred or under what budget line it was drawn.
Residents of Rivers State have expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the lawmakers for standing their ground and insisting on due process. Others said the political crisis has gone on for too long and called on leaders to resolve their differences.
“This fight is affecting ordinary people,” a resident said. “We want our leaders to work together and focus on development.”
The return of the N100,000 gift comes amid renewed hostilities linked to the wider political struggle involving Minister Nyesom Wike. Though Wike no longer holds office in the state, his influence remains strong, and the rivalry between his supporters and Governor Fubara continues to shape events in Rivers politics.