Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have announced the rejection and return of a N100,000 Christmas gift allegedly paid to them by Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmakers have accused the governor of repeatedly spending state funds without proper legal authorization, sparking a significant political controversy within the state. This action highlights a growing concern over financial governance and adherence to established procedures in Rivers State. The Assembly insists on the importance of due process for all public expenditures, a principle they claim has been repeatedly violated by the current administration.
Governor Fubara had reportedly approved the payment of N100,000 to civil servants and some public office holders as part of Christmas festivities. However, the lawmakers, in a statement signed by the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, formally rejected the payment. This move underscores a deep rift between the executive and legislative branches of the state government.
The unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred to the personal accounts of members on the instructions of Governor Fubara. Upon discovering these transfers, the Honourable Members of the House took immediate steps to formally return the funds to the Rivers State Government’s account. This decisive action signals their commitment to fiscal responsibility and legal compliance.
How to ensure public funds are spent legally? Public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval, to prevent misuse and maintain accountability. This is a fundamental aspect of good governance that the Rivers State House of Assembly is championing.
The Assembly, operating as a law-abiding institution, stated that it would not participate in any action that contravenes established legal procedures. This stance is rooted in their constitutional mandate to oversee the executive branch and ensure transparency in governance. The rejection of the gift is seen as a direct challenge to the governor’s financial management practices.
Since assuming office in 2023, the governor has been accused of consistently withdrawing funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval. This has occurred despite repeated warnings from the House and, according to the lawmakers, in defiance of Supreme Court judgments and constitutional principles of separation of powers.
What is the role of the legislature in financial oversight? The legislature’s primary role is to scrutinize government spending, approve budgets, and ensure that all public funds are utilized efficiently and legally, thereby acting as a crucial check on executive power.
Hon. Enemi Alabo George emphasized that as an institution established by law and strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must adhere to proper channels, including legislative approval. This reiterates their commitment to constitutionalism.
The lawmakers are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the management of state resources. Their actions are intended to send a clear message to the governor and other public servants about the importance of following legal frameworks in all financial dealings.
They have also issued a warning to public servants against collaborating in actions that violate the law. This broader caution aims to deter any complicity in what they perceive as unlawful conduct by the executive.
Therefore, with the leave of Mr. Speaker and the entire House, attention is being drawn to the unlawful conduct of staff who connive with the Governor and others to contravene the Constitution and laws of Rivers State. The Assembly has become aware of their unlawful actions.
The situation in Rivers State highlights the critical importance of the separation of powers and the need for robust checks and balances within government structures to safeguard public interest and prevent potential corruption or financial impropriety. The ongoing dispute underscores the challenges in maintaining fiscal discipline and legislative oversight in the face of executive actions.
