The Rivers State Government has clarified that its annual N100,000 Christmas bonus is paid to all civil and public office holders in the state, without discrimination.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo said that the bonus is disbursed across board to all workers, including pensioners, captured on the state government payroll system.

On Tuesday, members of the state House of Assembly rejected a N100,000 ‘Christmas gift’ credited to their accounts on the orders of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the transfer as unsolicited and unlawful.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George said that public funds must follow due process, including legislative approval.

The statement noted that the funds were immediately returned.

Sirawoo’s statement was in response to the commendation by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the recent payment of the Christmas bonus.

While he did not comment on the reported rejection of the bonus by the state lawmakers, Sirawoo noted that the N100,000 payment has been made consistently for the past three years for civil servants, public officers, and pensioners.

He explained that the bonus, which has become an annual practice for civil and public servants on the state payroll, is intended as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service throughout the year.

The state assembly, however, maintained that, as an institution guided by the Constitution, all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative authorisation.

However, Sirawoo stressed that Fubara remained committed to implementing proactive measures that provide a social safety net for state employees and their families.

He added that the state government regards the NLC not merely as a labour union, but as a critical partner in the “Rivers First” development agenda.

He noted that the union’s public acknowledgement of the gesture reflects the cordial relationship between the administration and the workforce.

According to him, workers remain the greatest pride of the 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.