The Rivers State Government has clarified that its annual ₦100,000 Christmas bonus was paid uniformly to all civil servants and public office holders in the state, dismissing claims of selective disbursement.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday. He explained that the bonus was paid across the board to all workers, including pensioners, captured on the Rivers State Government payroll system.
Sirawoo was responding to recent commendation from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the payment of the Christmas bonus. While he did not address reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected the payment, he noted that the ₦100,000 bonus has been consistently paid for the past three years to civil servants, public officers, and pensioners in the state.
According to him, the Christmas bonus has become an annual tradition aimed at appreciating the commitment and service of workers throughout the year.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to implementing proactive measures that provide a social safety net for state employees and their families,” he said.
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Sirawoo also stated that the state government views the NLC not just as a labour union but as a key stakeholder in the “Rivers First” development agenda. He added that the union’s public acknowledgement of the bonus reflects the cordial relationship between the government and its workforce.
He further described workers as the greatest asset of the Rivers State Government.
“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.
Meanwhile, News Round The Clock had earlier reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly announced on Tuesday that it returned the ₦100,000 credited to the personal bank accounts of its members. The lawmakers described the payment as unsolicited and lacking legislative approval.
In a statement signed by the Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, the House said the funds were credited on December 30, 2025, following directives from the governor. The lawmakers added that they immediately took steps to refund the money to the Rivers State Government upon discovering the transfers.
