Fresh controversy has erupted in Rivers State following revelations that at least 26 lawmakers allegedly aligned with former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike received ₦350 million each for constituency projects during the period of emergency rule—projects that were never executed.
According to an investigative report by SaharaReporters, the payments—amounting to about ₦10.5 billion—were approved and released on September 12, 2025, based on financial records and internal government documents reviewed by the outlet.
Funds Released, Projects Missing
Government sources told SaharaReporters that despite the massive disbursement, none of the listed constituency projects has been implemented in the affected constituencies. On-the-ground checks reportedly showed no construction activity, equipment, or contractors at project locations months after funds were released.
Even more troubling, investigations allegedly revealed that many of the companies nominated by the lawmakers to execute the projects are either inactive, dormant, recently registered, or suspected shell companies with no verifiable operational capacity.
How the ₦10.5bn Was Approved
Documents obtained from a source within the Rivers State Government House show that a formal memo dated September 12, 2026—signed by Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, Special Adviser on Works—was sent to the then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.).
The memo sought approval for ₦10.5 billion as constituency project funds for 30 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, allocating ₦350 million per lawmaker for projects purportedly to be executed in 2025.
“The purpose of this Memorandum is to seek His Excellency’s approval for the year 2025 constituency projects for thirty (30) Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the total cost of ₦10,500,000,000.00,” the document reportedly stated.
Records reviewed indicate that approval was granted the same day, and funds were disbursed to accounts linked to companies presented by 26 lawmakers who submitted project proposals.
Evidence of Payment, No Evidence of Work
SaharaReporters said it reviewed bank statements and payment schedules confirming that the 26 lawmakers received their allocations through nominated contractors. However, no evidence of execution—including mobilization to site—could be verified.
Sources within government further alleged that several beneficiary firms lack physical offices, have no track records, or were hastily incorporated shortly before the payments, raising red flags about due process and procurement compliance.
Projects Listed, Contractors Named
The approved memo reportedly contained a detailed schedule of projects and contractors across constituencies, including town halls, civic centres, roads, police posts, electrification, schools, ICT centres, and health facilities in areas such as Abua/Odual, Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Ahoada East, Emohua, Etche, Eleme, Port Harcourt, Okrika, Ogu/Bolo, Ikwerre, ONELGA, Omumma, Gokana, Tai, Khana, Oyigbo, and Obio/Akpor.
Despite the breadth of listed projects and contractors, SaharaReporters said none could be independently confirmed as completed or ongoing.
Background: Emergency Rule and Political Crisis
Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a violent political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025 by President Bola Tinubu, with normal governance scheduled to resume the next day.
Governor Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on September 19, 2025, resuming duties amid heightened political tension.
Impeachment Moves and Political Twists
On January 8, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that impeachment proceedings were initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. During plenary, allegations of gross misconduct were read, with at least 26 lawmakerssigning the notice.
Although four lawmakers initially withdrew support and called for dialogue, they later reversed their stance, insisting the impeachment process should proceed.
Silence from Authorities
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by the Rivers State Government, the affected lawmakers, or the companies named in the documents regarding the alleged non-execution of the projects.