Documents obtained by SaharaReporters have revealed that at least 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, allegedly received ₦350 million each for constituency projects that were never executed.
The payments, which amounted to approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and disbursed on September 12, 2025, during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State. Financial records reviewed indicate that the funds were released under the pretext of executing constituency projects across various local government areas in the state.
According to the documents, a memo dated September 12, 2025, signed by the Special Adviser on Works, Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, was sent to the then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), seeking approval for the funds. The memo requested ₦350 million for each of 30 lawmakers, citing the need to bring governance closer to constituents. Approval was reportedly granted the same day.
Investigations, however, show that none of the approved projects have been implemented. Government sources alleged that many of the companies nominated by the lawmakers to execute the projects are inactive, dormant, or suspected to be shell companies, some of which were incorporated shortly before the payments were made.
A statement of account reviewed by SaharaReporters confirmed that funds were paid into accounts linked to contractors submitted by the lawmakers. On-ground checks across the affected constituencies reportedly found no evidence of project execution.
The development comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State. The state was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Although the emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025, impeachment proceedings were initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy in January 2026, with at least 26 lawmakers signing the notice of impeachment.
The revelations have further raised concerns about accountability, misuse of public funds, and the political motivations behind the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
