The political tension in Rivers State has taken a fresh twist as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly rejected and returned a ₦100,000 cash gift allegedly sent by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to reports, the money was transferred directly into the personal bank accounts of the lawmakers on the directive of the governor. However, the lawmakers reportedly sent the funds back, accusing the state’s executive arm of “lack of due process” and violations of constitutional procedures.
Legislators claim the Fubara-led administration has repeatedly withdrawn public funds without Assembly approval — an action they say goes against the Constitution, Supreme Court orders, and the principle of separation of powers.
This development comes amid renewed hostilities between Fubara and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, as their political rivalry continues to shake the state.
Meanwhile, in a separate event, APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom, publicly reaffirmed Wike’s political dominance in Rivers State. Speaking during Wike’s Thank You Visit to Gokana Local Government Area, Giadom declared that no politician — including Governor Fubara — can win elections in Gokana without Wike’s backing.
“Gokana is a no-go area for anybody, even Governor Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” Giadom said, adding that the community remains loyal to both Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
With these unfolding dramas, Rivers State appears set for more political battles in the coming months.