The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has refuted claims that senators received $15,000 in bribes to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The allegations, widely circulated in political circles and online platforms, suggested that lawmakers were given $5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday at Akpabio’s Maitama residence during a Ramadan fast-breaking event.
However, Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation.
“I am aware, and it is true that since Senator Godswill Akpabio assumed office as Senate President, he has been hosting iftar (breaking of fast) for lawmakers. He did it last year; he did it this year, so why is it now turning into a rumour?” Eyiboh questioned.
On the bribery allegation, Eyiboh stated, “He is giving money for what? I am aware of the breaking of the fast, but I can tell you I am not aware, and it is not true that any dollars were given—whether $5,000 or $10,000. People are just conjuring this story to give flavour to their malice and hate campaign.”
The controversy stems from the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have escalated into a full-blown governance crisis.
The rift has led to violent clashes, a divided state assembly, and allegations of executive overreach.
In response, there have been calls for a state of emergency, which would temporarily dissolve the state government and place it under federal control.
The Senate recently deliberated on the matter, and allegations of financial inducements surfaced ahead of the discussions.
This is not the first time the National Assembly has been accused of under-the-table dealings in critical national matters.
However, Akpabio’s media team insists that the Senate President remains committed to due process and transparency in all legislative affairs.
