The Rivers State Government has defended the N100,000 Christmas bonus paid to workers, clarifying that the financial support was intended for **all civil and public servants** duly captured on the state’s payroll. The clarification comes amid public debate over the scope and beneficiaries of the seasonal payment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Information, said the bonus was neither selective nor exclusionary. According to the government, the payment was designed to cushion the economic pressures faced by workers during the festive period and to recognize their service to the state.

Sirawoo emphasized that the Rivers administration has maintained consistency with the Christmas bonus policy, noting that similar payments have been made over the past three years. He described the initiative as part of the government’s broader welfare strategy aimed at boosting morale and productivity across the public service.

The government’s response followed concerns raised in some quarters suggesting that not all categories of workers benefitted from the bonus. Addressing these claims, Sirawoo explained that eligibility was tied strictly to verified records on the state payroll, covering both civil servants and public servants across ministries, departments, and agencies.

He added that administrative processes, including payroll validation and banking timelines, may affect the speed at which some workers receive the payment, but insisted that the policy itself was inclusive.

The Rivers State Government said the Christmas bonus reflects its commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare, particularly at a time when rising living costs continue to strain household incomes nationwide. Officials stressed that the N100,000 payment was approved as a uniform support measure, not a reward for a specific group or cadre.

Sirawoo noted that beyond the Christmas bonus, the state has implemented other worker-focused initiatives, including prompt salary payments, pensions administration reforms, and investments in workplace infrastructure. He said these measures demonstrate the administration’s recognition of the central role public servants play in delivering governance and public services.

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According to the statement, the government has encouraged workers who believe they were omitted due to technical or documentation issues to engage appropriate channels within their ministries for resolution. This, Sirawoo said, would ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process.

Labour observers say such bonuses, while discretionary, have become increasingly important morale boosters for public sector employees, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. In Rivers State, the consistency of the payments over three consecutive years has been cited by the government as evidence of fiscal planning and policy continuity.

The administration also urged the public to rely on verified information and official statements, warning against misinformation that could undermine trust in government policies. Sirawoo reaffirmed that the Rivers State Government remains open to dialogue with labour unions and stakeholders to address concerns related to welfare and compensation.

As the festive season approaches, the government maintained that the Christmas bonus is a symbolic and practical gesture to support workers and their families, while reinforcing its broader commitment to inclusive governance and social responsibility.