In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the House Committee on Information and Petitions, Enemi Alabo George, confirmed that each legislator received a credit alert for the sum, which was reportedly intended as a Christmas gift.
The lawmakers, who are aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said the payment was made on the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara without the consent of the legislature.
According to George, the House took immediate steps to refund the money to the Rivers State Government’s account upon discovering the transfer.
He stressed that as a constitutionally established institution, the House of Assembly insists that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval.
The statement further accused the governor of repeatedly withdrawing funds from the state’s consolidated revenue account without the approval of the legislature since assuming office in 2023, despite warnings from the House and a Supreme Court judgement.
George also warned civil servants and other government officials against colluding with the executive to violate the constitution and the laws of Rivers State, noting that the Assembly was aware of what it described as unlawful conduct.
The development is viewed by observers as another escalation in the lingering political tension between Governor Fubara and the state lawmakers, which has persisted since the lifting of emergency rule in the state on September 18.
