Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations that senators were offered $15,000 in bribes to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the claims as baseless and part of a smear campaign against him.
Akpabio responded for the first time to the rumors circulating on social media, which alleged that he distributed cash to lawmakers at his Maitama residence during a Ramadan fast-breaking event. Reports suggested that the alleged bribes were handed out in two phases—$5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, just before the vote on the emergency proclamation.
However, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio denied the claims, emphasizing that the accusations were driven by malice.
“I am aware and it is true that since Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, assumed that position, he has been hosting fast-breaking events. He did it last year, he did it this year, so why is this turning into a rumor?” Eyiboh questioned.
He further challenged the logic behind the bribery claims, asking: “On the issue of the dollars, he is giving the 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 about the dollars—whether $5,000 or $10,000. People are just fabricating these claims to add flavor to their malice and hate campaign.”
The Senate and House of Representatives both approved the emergency declaration in Rivers State with a unanimous voice vote on Thursday. Despite the widespread allegations, no concrete evidence has been presented to support the bribery claims, and Akpabio maintains that the accusations are politically motivated.
