Civil servants in Rivers State have faulted members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly over their decision to refund ₦100,000 each paid into their personal bank accounts, describing the move as hypocritical, mischievous and politically motivated.

The workers said the lawmakers’ action was a calculated attempt to heat up the political atmosphere in the state rather than a genuine commitment to accountability and transparency.

They recalled that the payment of Christmas gifts and bonuses had been a consistent feature of the Siminalayi Fubara administration since its inception, stressing that similar gestures had been extended to workers without controversy.

According to the civil servants, the sudden outrage by the lawmakers over the ₦100,000 payment was therefore misplaced and designed to create unnecessary tension.

They accused the Assembly members of dancing to the tune of their “master,” the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alleging that the refund drama was part of a wider political script aimed at discrediting the governor.

The workers further challenged the lawmakers to explain the alleged ₦300 million each they reportedly received from the Sole Administrator during the period of emergency rule, when they were under suspension.

They argued that the Assembly members lacked the moral authority to accuse the executive of financial impropriety while failing to account for the source, purpose and utilisation of the huge sums allegedly paid to them at a time they were not performing legislative duties.

The civil servants described the refund of ₦100,000 as a distraction from more pressing governance issues, insisting that the Assembly should subject itself to the same transparency and accountability standards it demands from other arms of government.

They maintained that selective accountability and public grandstanding would only deepen political divisions and undermine governance in the state.

Calling for restraint, the workers urged all political actors to put the interest of Rivers State above personal and factional battles, warning that continued political brinkmanship could negatively affect public service delivery and stability in the state.