Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted allegations that he bribed senators with $15,000 to secure their support for the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. The accusations, which recently gained traction on social media, suggested that monetary incentives were distributed to senators on separate occasions to influence their stance. However, Akpabio’s camp has dismissed these claims as baseless attempts to undermine his leadership.
In a report by Vanguard, the allegations specifically pointed to two separate disbursements of funds, with reports stating that senators received $5,000 on one day and an additional $10,000 the following day. These claims sparked public outrage, with critics arguing that such financial inducements, if true, would compromise the integrity of the legislative process. In response, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, condemned the accusations, insisting that they were part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at discrediting the Senate President.
According to Akpabio’s team, his recent gatherings with senators were in line with long-standing traditions and had nothing to do with bribery. He had reportedly hosted breaking-of-fast events, which they described as common practice among political leaders during the fasting period. His aides questioned the need for bribing fellow senators, especially when key legislative decisions are made through due process and deliberation.
The controversy comes at a time when the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has already been met with significant opposition. Many Nigerians view the move as an overreach of executive power, arguing that it threatens democratic governance in the region. The bribery allegations have only intensified these concerns, with some critics calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Despite the mounting criticism, both chambers of the National Assembly proceeded with the approval of the state of emergency declaration. The Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives unanimously endorsed the measure, signaling their alignment with the federal government’s stance on the situation in Rivers State.