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.
He dismissed the report as a blackmail attempt, orchestrated by those seeking to tarnish his and other senators’ reputations.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, on Saturday, Akpabio refuted the social media report that claimed senators received $5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, the day before the vote, during an Iftar meal at his Maitama residence in Abuja.
While acknowledging that some senators did attend an Iftar meal at his residence, Akpabio firmly denied that any money was distributed during the gathering.
“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 faith in every season of spiritual rebirth.
“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,” the statement said.
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The National Assembly’s approval of the Rivers State state of emergency has drawn criticism not only for bribery allegations but also for the voting method used.
Despite constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber (Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution), the Senate and House of Representatives used voice votes instead of a roll-call vote.
This method involves lawmakers shouting “aye” or “nay,” with the presiding officer subjectively determining the majority.
While no senators openly dissented during the voice vote, indicating apparent consensus, some have since voiced opposition to the process.
Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) walked out of the chamber in protest, citing the unconstitutionality of the action. He, along with Senators Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), and others, claim they were denied the opportunity to debate the issue in plenary.
Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT) also expressed concerns about the use of voice votes, stating that the proclamation should not have been approved in that manner.
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