Rivers Lawmakers Reject Executive’s Alleged ₦100,000 Christmas Gift as Unauthorized

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have rejected what was described as a ₦100,000 Christmas gift purportedly from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissing the gesture as unapproved and unauthorised by the legislative body.

The development unfolded on Wednesday during a plenary session, where lawmakers raised concerns over reports that the executive arm of government had announced a cash gift to legislators ahead of the festive season.

Several members stood to clarify that no such approval was granted by the House, stressing that any allocation or disbursement of funds to lawmakers must follow constitutional procedures and receive formal legislative endorsement.

Lawmakers expressed disappointment that misinformation about the supposed gift had circulated, warning that such announcements undermine the integrity of the legislature and blur the lines between the executive and legislative functions.

“We did not approve any Christmas gift of ₦100,000 to members, and any claim to that effect is misleading and inaccurate,” one lawmaker said. “We urge the executive arm to adhere to due process in all financial matters and respect the constitutional roles of this House.”

The Assembly emphasised that it remains committed to transparency and accountability, noting that any financial benefit to lawmakers must be properly debated and sanctioned through official legislative channels.

Political analysts say the incident highlights ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State, where disagreements over governance priorities and constitutional responsibilities have occasionally surfaced in recent months.

As of the time of reporting, neither Governor Fubara’s office nor the state government has issued a public response to the lawmakers’ rejection of the reported gift. The clarification from the House of Assembly is likely to fuel further discussion on financial governance and separation of powers within Rivers State’s political landscape.