Rivers Lawmakers Accused of Collecting One-Year Salary Advance and ₦350m ‘Illegal’ Funds

The financial scandal surrounding the 26 pro-Wike members of the Rivers State House of Assembly deepened on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as fresh allegations surfaced claiming the lawmakers received a full year’s salary in advance alongside controversial constituency project funds.

During an ongoing multi-day protest in Port Harcourt, leaders of the APC Forum and allied civil society groups revealed that the lawmakers allegedly secured the advance payments from the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), during the state’s period of emergency rule in 2025. These latest claims are in addition to the reported ₦10.5 billion (₦350 million per member) released for unexecuted constituency projects and the gift of luxury Land Cruiser Prado SUVs.

Spokespersons for the protesters argued that these massive financial disbursements constitute gross misconduct and have effectively compromised the independence of the legislature. The coalition maintained that the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, have transformed the Assembly into a “political vendetta squad” rather than a lawmaking body. They highlighted the irony of the group pursuing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara for alleged “gross misconduct” while they themselves are mired in allegations of unappropriated spending.

“We are calling on the National Assembly to immediately invoke Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution and assume the legislative functions of Rivers State,” the protest leader declared. “This Assembly has lost its moral and constitutional authority to represent the people.”

The protesters also issued a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. They argued that the Minister’s alleged influence over the legislative crisis is an existential threat to democracy and the rule of law in the state.

While the pro-Wike lawmakers have yet to issue a formal rebuttal to the specific claims of receiving salary advances, the revelations have fueled public outrage across the state. Legal experts suggest that if these payments are verified as unappropriated, they could trigger a massive anti-graft investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), potentially rendering the current impeachment efforts legally untenable. The protesters have vowed to continue their daily demonstrations until federal intervention is secured. (247Ureports)