SaharaReporters has uncovered that cash was distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to secure lawmakers’ support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Sources privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, was the venue where the money was handed out.
According to the sources, 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators were given $5,000 each on Tuesday night to influence the approval of the controversial emergency rule in Rivers State.
SaharaReporters also learned that Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party were among the key figures involved in organising the payout.
“They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and participated in collecting the money,” one of the sources said.
“The venue was the Senate President’s guest house at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, where 42 senators were given $10,000 each last Wednesday night, and 45 senators received $5,000 each on Tuesday night, March 18, to pass the controversial Rivers State emergency rule.”
On Wednesday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had allegedly provided funds to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to rally senators in support of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This followed President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state on Tuesday, which also led to the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly.
On Wednesday, the Senate deferred discussions on the matter until 3 p.m. that same day. Although the motion to deliberate on Tinubu’s letter was listed as the first item on the day’s Order Paper, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Following the postponement, the Senate moved on to other agenda items, including confirming nominees for the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akpabio intentionally delayed the debate on the Rivers State emergency rule until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.
“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio as they met yesterday after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the State of Emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio,” one of the sources said on Wednesday.
“Akpabio then invited some senators to Iftar after which he gave them dollars depending on their seniority.”
However, sources said some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several other former governors, did not attend the Iftar.
“The announcement was made during Iftar,” a source said.
“The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.
“At least 72 senators are required to sign, but fewer than 60 were present today. The House of Representatives also needs a minimum of 240 votes. Meanwhile, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, was not informed, which explains the chaos in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday).”
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and security concerns, including recent pipeline vandalism that threatened the nation’s oil production.
This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months. To assume administrative control during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state’s administrator.
In accordance with constitutional provisions, the President’s declaration required approval from the National Assembly.
Earlier today, both chambers—the Senate and the House of Representatives—convened to deliberate on the proclamation.
Senate Proceedings
The Senate held a closed-door session lasting over an hour to discuss the state of emergency. Following this session, Senate President Akpabio announced unanimous approval of the President’s proclamation.
The Senate invoked Sections 134, 135, and 136 of its Standing Orders, aligning with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency, subject to legislative approval.
The Senate’s resolution included the establishment of a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period. Additionally, a committee comprising eminent Nigerians was proposed to mediate and resolve the political crisis in the state within the six-month timeframe.
House of Representatives Proceedings
Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives also convened to address the President’s declaration. The session, attended by 243 members, resulted in a voice vote that overwhelmingly supported the state of emergency.
The House recommended the formation of a national committee to facilitate peace and restore normalcy in Rivers State. It also resolved that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the duration of the emergency rule.
These legislative endorsements effectively activated the state of emergency in Rivers State, granting the federal government authority to intervene and address the underlying issues affecting the region.
Source: SaharaReporters
