EXCLUSIVE: How 26 Pro-Wike Rivers Lawmakers Received N350Million Each For Constituency Projects Never Executed

The payments, totaling approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and released on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed by SaharaReporters.

Documents obtained by SaharaReporters from a source inside the Rivers State Government House have revealed that at least 26 lawmakers aligned with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike received ₦350 million each in September 2025 for constituency projects during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Yet none of the projects have been implemented in their respective constituencies, government sources told SaharaReporters.

The payments, totaling approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and released on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed by SaharaReporters.

However, investigations indicate that most of the companies nominated by the lawmakers to execute the projects are either inactive, dormant, or suspected shell companies.

How the Funds Were Approved

SaharaReporters obtained a formal memo dated September 12, 2026, signed by Engr. Atemea K. Briggs, Special Adviser on Works, addressed to then Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), requesting approval for ₦10.5 billion as constituency project funds for 30 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The memo explicitly sought ₦350 million for each lawmaker under the guise of executing constituency projects in 2025.

The document stated in part, “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 (Ten Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira) only, being ₦350,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only per member.”

The memo claimed the funding was in response to lawmakers’ “desire to bring governance closer to their constituents,” and listed proposed projects submitted by 26 out of 30 lawmakers.

Records show that approval was granted the same day, September 12, 2025, and funds were subsequently disbursed into accounts linked to companies presented by the legislators.

Evidence of Payment

SaharaReporters reviewed a statement of account confirming that at least 26 lawmakers received ₦350 million each through their nominated contractors.

Despite this, on-site checks and local reports suggest that none of the listed constituency projects have been executed.

Sources within the government alleged that many of the beneficiary companies either do not exist physically, have no operational records, or were hastily incorporated shortly before the payment.

List of Approved Constituency Projects As Submitted

The memorandum approved on September 12, 2025 contained a detailed schedule of constituency projects and the private firms nominated by the lawmakers to execute them. SaharaReporters obtained the full list, which shows that each project was tied to a specific company presented by the affected legislators.

The projects and their designated contractors include: Abua/Odual: Building and furnishing of a cottage hospital at Emago Kugbo - Margoy Integrated Services; Akuku-Toru I: Construction of 700 meters concrete pavement road in Abonnema and Obonoma towns - Smooth Global Services Ltd; Akuku-Toru II: Construction of police quarters at Kula Community - Trust Optima Multiventures Ltd; Andoni: Ultra-modern town hall and furnishing at Ikuru Town - Skypye Link Nig. Ltd; Asari-Toru I: Construction and equipping of an ultra-modern fire service station in Buguma - Prime Construction, Maritime and Logistics Ltd; Asari-Toru II: Construction of Information Technology/CBT Park at Abalama Community - Jog Development Ltd; Ahoada East I: Reconstruction and furnishing of 10 classroom blocks and construction of a community town hall at Udemisama - Sa-Tech Optimum Limited; Emohua: Construction of community town hall at Okporowu Ogbakiri - C & C Integrated Engineering Services Ltd; Etche I: Construction and furnishing of a modern civic centre at Igbo Etche - Kumodel Global Energy Ltd and Etche II: Construction of civic centre at Igbo Etche - Watering Heights Ltd.

Others are Eleme: Construction and furnishing of ultra-modern community town hall and police post - Oathword Petroleum Development Company; Port Harcourt I: Construction of lock-up shops at Oroworukwo Community - Sochil Logistics; Port Harcourt II: Rehabilitation and furnishing of Rumuobiokwe Community Hall; installation of 500KVA transformer at Okereke Street, Mile 2, Diobu; and construction of public convenience - Benkesi Resources Ltd; Port Harcourt III: Construction of town hall at Bie Ama Community, Borokiri - Rojus Worldwide Services Ltd; Okrika: Construction of livestock market in Okrika Town - Burumo Ltd; Ogu/Bolo: Electrification of Ikpaoma Community - Beavs Consulting Ltd; and Ikwerre: Construction and furnishing of civic centre at Omademe Town - Construe Ltd.

Others are ONELGA II: Construction and furnishing of ultra-modern town hall in Ward 12 - PSC Stores Ltd; ONELGA I: Construction of town hall at Osiakpu - Ugada C. J. Ventures; Omumma: Construction and furnishing of civic centre at Ofeh - Scott Nigeria Ltd; Gokana: Construction of classroom blocks, assembly hall and ICT centre at Community Secondary School, Bua-Yeghe - Dren Logistics Ltd; Tai: Construction of town hall with ICT facilities at Buji Tai - Anbo Fabrication Nigeria Ltd; Khana I: Construction and furnishing of modern community town hall at Gwara - The Porters Partners Ltd; Oyigbo: Construction and furnishing of ultra-modern town hall with ICT facilities - Delapex Resources Ltd; Obio/Akpor I: Construction of classroom blocks for Community Secondary School, Eliozu - Beavers and Builders Ltd and Obio/Akpor II: Construction of town hall at Eneka Rumuonu - Alalad Enterprises and CS.

Despite these approvals, SaharaReporters could not verify the execution of any of these projects.

Background

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 following a violent political conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

On September 17, 2025, President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule, effective from midnight.

Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly were scheduled to resume official duties from September 18, 2025. Fubara physically returned to Port Harcourt on September 19, 2025, where he was welcomed by supporters before resuming work at Government House.

Impeachment Proceedings Begin

On January 8, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that impeachment proceedings were formally initiated against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack read allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.

At least 26 lawmakers signed the notice of impeachment, which the House claimed was in line with constitutional provisions. Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on Governor Fubara within seven days.

A separate impeachment notice was also read against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu by Deputy Majority Leader Linda Stewart.

Twists and U-Turns in the Impeachment Plot

After the initial move, four lawmakers temporarily withdrew their support, calling for political dialogue instead of impeachment.

However, days later, the same lawmakers reversed their position, insisting that the impeachment process must continue.