The 10th Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected a N100,000 Christmas bonus credited to the personal bank accounts of its members by the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a move highlighting the ongoing friction between the executive and legislative arms, the lawmakers confirmed on Tuesday that the funds have been formally returned to the state government’s account.
In a statement titled, “Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members,” the House characterized the payment as a breach of constitutional protocol.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions, and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George, stated that the transfers were made without legislative approval or due process.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process,” George said. “The Governor has consistently drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval, in defiance of the Constitution and the principles of separation of powers.”
The Assembly further issued a stern warning to civil servants and state officials, alleging that some are “conniving” with the executive to bypass financial regulations. The House reaffirmed its commitment to its oversight functions, insisting it would not be compromised by unsolicited payments.
