Rivers Lawmakers in ₦350m Constituency Funds Controversy

Report alleges 26 Rivers state Assembly members received ₦350m each for projects yet to be executed

Fresh controversy has erupted in Rivers State following reports that 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly allegedly received ₦350 million each for constituency projects, amounting to about ₦10.5 billion in public funds.

According to an investigative report, the payments were allegedly made in September 2025 to lawmakers believed to be aligned with former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The funds were reportedly approved during a period of political uncertainty in the state.

The money was said to be designated for constituency development projects across various parts of Rivers State. However, findings indicate that many of the projects listed have not been executed, raising concerns over transparency, accountability, and the proper use of public funds.

Checks carried out in several constituencies reportedly revealed no visible evidence of project implementation despite the large sums allegedly released. Further scrutiny showed that some of the companies linked to the projects were either inactive or lacked verifiable operational records, deepening public suspicion.

The allegations emerge amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, characterized by tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the House of Assembly loyal to his predecessor. The prolonged dispute has disrupted legislative activities and intensified debates over budget approvals and financial authorizations.

Government sources have questioned why lawmakers allegedly accepted the funds if they were not supported by proper legislative appropriation. The development has renewed calls for independent investigations by relevant anti-corruption agencies to clarify the circumstances surrounding the release and utilization of the funds.

Although no official audit report or court ruling has yet confirmed the claims, the report has triggered widespread public concern and heightened demands for stricter oversight of constituency project funds in Nigeria.

Read also Rivers Lawmakers in ₦350m Constituency Funds Controversy