Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations that senators were bribed with $15,000 each to approve the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, Okay.ng reports.
The controversial emergency rule, declared by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all House of Assembly members for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
Following the National Assembly’s approval of the decision on Thursday, a report alleged that 45 senators were offered $5,000 each on Tuesday night, while another 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, ahead of the vote.
However, Akpabio, in a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, strongly denied the bribery claims, calling them an attempt to blackmail lawmakers.
“It is true that I confirmed the Iftar meeting and further asserted that the Distinguished Senate President has always hosted his colleagues of both religious faiths in every season of spiritual rebirth,” the statement read.
“There has never existed any reason to share any money in such a solemn meeting, and no money in any currency was shared.
“I have vehemently denied this spurious rumour of sharing any money. The rumour in itself is peddled by the merchants of blackmail enterprise to add flavour to their subsisting hate and malice campaign.”
Okay.ng reports that Akpabio confirmed hosting senators at his guest house for an Iftar meal, but insisted that no money was distributed during the gathering.
The allegations of bribery have further fueled debates over the controversial emergency rule in Rivers State, with opposition figures and critics questioning the legality of the suspension of elected officials.
