Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers swiftly rejected and returned N100,000 "Christmas bonuses" credited to their personal accounts on Governor Siminalayi Fubara's orders on December 30, 2025, branding the transfers "unsolicited and unlawful." In a scathing statement by House Committee Chairman Enemi George, the 10th Assembly accused Fubara of bypassing legislative approval, a pattern since his 2023 inauguration defying Supreme Court rulings and constitutional checks.
The funds hit accounts unannounced amid Fubara's popular N100,000 civil servant bonuses his third year running but lawmakers, adjourned till January 26, 2026, immediately reversed the credits, insisting public spending demands House sanction. George warned state staff aiding such "unlawful conduct," vowing oversight amid Fubara's failure to submit the 2026 budget or commissioner nominees.
This snub follows APC Vice Chairman Victor Giadom's declaration that Fubara needs Nyesom Wike's nod for Rivers wins, with Wike dismissing him as lacking grassroots clout despite recent APC defection. The pro-Wike assembly's defiance underscores their iron grip, rejecting Fubara's overtures amid 2023 crisis scars including a pro-Fubara faction's demolition.
With no 2026 Appropriation Bill presented, tensions risk governance paralysis in Nigeria's oil-rich state, amplifying PDP's mockery of Wike as their "top APC ally." Fubara's camp silent by evening as year-end drama signals fiercer 2027 primaries.