The Rivers State Government has clarified that its annual N100,000 Christmas bonus is paid uniformly to all civil servants and public office holders on the state payroll, including pensioners, without discrimination.
The clarification was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, in response to recent public reactions following the commendation of the gesture by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Dr Sirawoo explained that the bonus is disbursed across board to all eligible workers captured on the Rivers State Government payroll system and has been consistently paid for the past three years. He described the payment as an established annual practice designed to appreciate the dedication and service of civil and public servants throughout the year.
While declining to comment directly on reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected the bonus, Sirawoo maintained that the payment was not selective and was not intended to breach any institutional procedures.
On Tuesday, the Rivers State House of Assembly announced that it had returned the N100,000 credited to the personal bank accounts of its members, describing the transfers as unsolicited and lacking legislative approval. In a statement signed by Hon. Enemi George, the Assembly said the funds were credited on December 30, 2025, following instructions from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and were promptly returned to the state government’s account.
The Assembly stressed that all public expenditures must comply with constitutional provisions and due process, including approval by the legislature.
Dr Sirawoo, however, emphasised that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to policies that strengthen the welfare of workers and provide a social safety net for state employees and their families. He noted that the government views the NLC not just as a labour union but as a key partner in advancing the “Rivers First” development agenda.
According to him, the NLC’s public acknowledgement of the Christmas bonus underscores the cordial relationship between the administration and the workforce, whom he described as the pride of the Rivers State Government.
He added that while the festive bonus is intended to ease the celebrations for workers and pensioners, the administration’s broader focus remains on improving the working environment and overall welfare of those serving the state.
