Akpabio denies ‘$15,000 bribe’ for senators to endorse Rivers emergency rule

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that senators were paid $15,000 bribe each to approve the state of emergency declaration in Rivers state.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the south-south state, citing the prolonged political crisis and vandalisation of oil installations.

The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, 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 for Rivers.

On Thursday, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule.

A report had alleged that 45 senators were offered $5,000 each on Tuesday night, while another 42 received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, ahead of the national assembly’s approval of the emergency rule.

Akpabio, in a statement issued on Saturday by Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesperson, described the bribery allegation as an attempt to blackmail lawmakers.

Akpabio said he hosted senators at his guest house for an Iftar meal but insisted that no money was shared.

“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 reads.

“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.”