Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have reportedly returned a ₦100,000 cash gift sent to them by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a move that further highlights the growing political tension within the state.
According to reports, the money was paid directly into the personal bank accounts of the lawmakers on the governor’s directive. However, the legislators later refunded the funds, citing concerns over procedure and governance.
The lawmakers accused the Fubara-led executive of sidelining the legislature in financial decisions, alleging that funds were being withdrawn without proper approval. They claimed such actions violate constitutional provisions, Supreme Court judgments, and the principle of separation of powers. Their decision to return the money was described as a protest against what they see as persistent disregard for due process.
This development comes at a time of renewed political hostilities between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who remains a dominant force in Rivers State politics.
Meanwhile, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-South, Victor Giadom, has openly reaffirmed Wike’s influence in the state. Speaking on Tuesday during Wike’s “Thank You” visit to Gokana Local Government Area, Giadom described the former Rivers governor as the undisputed political leader of the area.
He insisted that no politician, including Governor Fubara, could secure electoral success in Gokana without Wike’s backing. According to Giadom, the people of Gokana remain firmly loyal to Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
“On behalf of my people, I can confidently say that Gokana stands with Wike and Tinubu,” he said. “Nobody will challenge Wike’s influence here. Gokana is a no-go area for any other politician, even Governor Fubara. To win anything in Gokana, he must go through Wike.”
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The unfolding events underscore the deepening political divide in Rivers State, with tensions between key power blocs showing no immediate signs of easing.
