Darlington Orji, Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has claimed that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly each received N350 million for constituency projects, despite reports that some lawmakers rejected certain payments, citing lack of appropriation.

Orji made the allegation on Friday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he addressed tensions between the state executive and legislature, as well as questions regarding the budget process.

He noted that a N100,000 end-of-year appreciation payment given to civil servants in December was also extended to Assembly members, though some reportedly refused it, arguing it was not appropriated. Orji questioned their objections, pointing out that the lawmakers had previously accepted N350 million each for constituency projects without raising concerns over appropriation.

He stated:

“They rejected N100,000 because it was not appropriated. Can you ask them, please, where the N350 million given for constituency projects came from? Why did they not reject it since it was also not appropriated?”

Orji’s comments add a new dimension to the ongoing political crisis and impeachment proceedings in Rivers State, highlighting disputes over fiscal allocations and governance accountability.