Port Harcourt — A Rivers State House of Assembly lawmaker has explained why he and his colleagues rejected what was described as a Christmas “package” from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying the decision was made on legal grounds and to avoid possible criminal liability.
Honourable Enemi George, spokesperson for the Rivers Assembly, spoke during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he said the rejection of the funds was based strictly on constitutional principles rather than the value of the money involved.
According to George, lawmakers returned the payment — reportedly a credit alert of ₦100,000 sent to each member’s account — because there was no legal or budgetary provision allowing such expenditure by the governor. He stressed that public funds must be disbursed only in accordance with the law and that accepting unsolicited payments could expose recipients to prosecution.
“I rejected it because I don’t want to go to prison,” George said, highlighting his understanding of the legal implications of receiving funds that lack constitutional or legislative approval. He reiterated that the money belongs to the people of Rivers State and must be handled transparently and lawfully.
The Assembly’s decision to decline the credit alerts has come amid a broader political standoff between the state legislature and Governor Fubara, with lawmakers accusing the governor of breaching financial protocols and acting outside the approved budget. The rejection of the so-called Christmas gift reflects deepening mistrust and legal concerns among legislators.
In previous statements, the Assembly maintained that any disbursement of public funds must follow due process, including prior legislative approval and clear constitutional backing. The criticism of the governor’s actions points to continued friction between the executive arm and the legislature over issues of accountability and adherence to financial regulations.
Political analysts say the controversy highlights the importance of strict compliance with public finance laws, especially at a time when state governments are under greater scrutiny over fiscal discipline. Rejecting the funds signals the lawmakers’ intent to prioritise legal and ethical standards over short-term benefits.
The governor’s office has not publicly commented on the lawmakers’ explanation or the rejection of the funds at the time of publication. Observers note that the episode adds another layer to the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, where impeachment proceedings and constitutional disputes have become central in recent weeks.
George’s remarks underscore that the Assembly’s stance is rooted in a commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect its members from legal exposure. Whether the matter will lead to further legal or political consequences remains to be seen as the state’s power struggle continues to unfold.
