The Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday addressed the controversy surrounding the annual ₦100,000 Christmas bonus paid to civil servants and public office holders in the state.
In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, clarified that the payment was made without discrimination.
Sirawoo said the bonus was paid across board to all workers, including pensioners captured on the state government payroll system.
The Port City News (TCPN) learnt that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commended the payment.
Sirawoo also noted that the bonus had been paid consistently over the past three years to civil servants, public officers, and pensioners.
He, however, declined to comment on reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected the bonus, but stated that the payment had become an annual practice for civil and public servants on the state payroll.
According to him, the bonus served as a token of appreciation from the governor for the dedication and service of workers throughout the year.
Sirawoo reiterated that Fubara remained committed to implementing proactive measures aimed at providing a social safety net for state employees and their families.
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“While this bonus is meant to brighten the festive season, our long-term focus remains the continuous improvement of the working environment and the welfare of everyone serving Rivers State,” he said.
He further said the governor regarded the NLC not merely as a labour union but as a critical partner in the state’s development agenda, adding that workers remained the pride of the Rivers State Government.
Meanwhile, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday announced the return of the bonus credited to their personal bank accounts.
They described the payment as unsolicited and unapproved in a statement signed by Enemi George.
The Assembly said the funds were credited on December 30, 2025, following instructions from the governor without legislative approval.
