‘Pure fiction’ — Philip Agbese denies reps got $5,000 each to ratify Rivers emergency rule

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says lawmakers were not bribed to approve the emergency rule in Rivers.

BACKGROUND

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu proclaimed 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. 

Subsequently, reports alleged that lawmakers received $5,000 each to ratify the emergency rule.

‘DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO DISCREDIT PARLIAMENT’

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Agbese described the bribery allegations as “false and malicious”.

“The allegation that members of the house of representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution is unfair to the parliament,” he said.

“What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of king Solomon.

“All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell.  The opposition should see the good things that we are doing day and night for the country.

“At no point did members of the house engage in any financial inducement in relation to the state of emergency declaration.

“The decision was taken after extensive deliberations on the security and political situation in Rivers state, in line with our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability.

“Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction designed to serve the interests of those who seek to distort facts and create unnecessary tension in the country.”

Agbese said the house remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles and the rule of law.

The legislator added that the bribery allegations are a “desperate attempt to discredit the house”.