Rivers Lawmakers Reject Fubara’s Christmas Gift as Wike Warns Against ‘Automatic Ticket’

Port Harcourt — The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected a ₦100,000 “Christmas gift” credited to the personal bank accounts of lawmakers on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited, unlawful, and a violation of due process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, said the transfer of public funds without legislative approval was unconstitutional and therefore unacceptable.

Lawmakers Return Funds, Cite Due Process

The statement, titled “Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved ₦100,000 Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” confirmed that the funds were immediately returned.

“Today, 30th December 2025, honourable members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank credit alerts of ₦100,000 each. The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the governor,” the statement read.

George accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly withdrawing from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund without legislative approval since assuming office in 2023, contrary to constitutional provisions and a Supreme Court ruling.

“We are aware of staff who connive with the governor to contravene the Constitution and laws of Rivers State. Their actions are unlawful,” he said.
“We assure the good people of Rivers State that we will not relent in performing our constitutional duties.”

While civil servants in the state reportedly received similar Christmas bonuses after due approvals, the Assembly said the payment to lawmakers bypassed required legislative processes, reinforcing their decision to reject it.

Budget Delay, Commissioners Yet to Be Appointed

The House has adjourned plenary until January 26, 2026, amid concerns over governance. Governor Fubara is yet to present the 2026 appropriation bill or submit the names of commissioner-nominees.

Since his return from suspension, the governor has been operating with only eight commissioners, following a Supreme Court ruling that recognised Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the House.

Wike Warns Ahead of 2027 Elections

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Rivers residents against what he described as repeating a “leadership mistake” in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a visit to Khana, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area, Wike—without mentioning Governor Fubara by name—issued a pointed warning.

“As for the state, we will talk about that later. We will not make a mistake again,” he said.
“Your ticket is not automatic. You have to earn it before presenting it to your people.”

Wike stressed political unity over party lines, aligning his message with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For us, there’s nothing like APC or PDP. What we have is Renewed Hope. We are not voting based on party but as one political family,” he said.

Tinubu Praised, Support Declared

The former Rivers governor credited President Tinubu for key interventions in the state, including infrastructure projects, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment, and the presidential pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine.

“During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us, and now you have benefited—from good roads to the University of Environment—because of the love of Mr. President,” Wike said.

Backing Wike’s influence, Victor Giadom, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), described Gokana Local Government Area as a “no-go area” for Governor Fubara.

“For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” Giadom declared.

Former senator Magnus Abe also pledged Ogoni support for Wike and President Tinubu, while Gokana Local Government Chairman Confidence Deko vowed total loyalty.

“Wherever you go, we will go. This local government is for you,” Deko said.

‘Rivers Now United’ — Wike

Wike concluded by stating that both the APC and PDP in Rivers State are now working together under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The unity of the people ensures that good things will continue to come. We will keep working together to move Rivers State forward,” he added.