Why Rivers Lawmakers Rejected Governor Fubara’s Christmas Gift

The Rivers State House of Assembly has explained why its members turned down the Christmas cash gift sent by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stressing that the decision was based strictly on constitutional and ethical grounds.

The Assembly’s spokesperson, Hon. Enemi George, made this clarification during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. The interview was monitored on Thursday by LMSINT MEDIA.

According to Hon. George, the lawmakers deliberately rejected the funds because accepting such money could expose them to serious legal consequences. He emphasized that the decision was not influenced by the amount involved but by the need to uphold the law and protect public office from abuse.

It would be recalled that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had earlier returned a sum of ₦100,000 that was paid into their individual bank accounts. The lawmakers described the payment as unsolicited, unauthorized, and not backed by any legislative approval.

Explaining further, the Assembly spokesperson stated that the rejection was guided by principles rather than personal interests. He noted that there is no section of the Nigerian Constitution or any approved budgetary provision that permits the distribution of Christmas gifts to lawmakers using public funds.

Hon. George questioned the legality of the payment, asking how such an expenditure could be defended when it was not captured in the state’s budget passed by the legislature. He maintained that neither the National Assembly nor any recognized legal framework provided room for such allocations.

He also clarified that the rejection was not because the money was considered insignificant. Instead, he stressed that accepting it could amount to a violation of financial regulations, potentially leading to imprisonment.

According to him, public funds must be treated with utmost responsibility because they do not belong to any individual, family, or private interest. Rather, such funds are the collective property of the people of Rivers State and must be managed transparently and lawfully.

In his words, the lawmakers chose to return the money to avoid any action that could be interpreted as misuse of public resources or abuse of office. The Assembly, he said, remains committed to accountability, due process, and respect for constitutional provisions in handling government finances.