A member of the House of Representatives from Gwaram Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Yusuf Galambi, on Saturday, debunked allegations that the National Assembly members received bribes to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday endorsed the president’s imposition of emergency rule on Rivers and suspension of all principal actors in the state political crisis, including Governor Siminilayi Fubara.
In a statement in Kaduna, Galambi, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), argued that there was no truth in the claims that lawmakers were induced or coerced into endorsing the president’s action.
He added that the majority of the lawmakers supported the decision due to their commitment to saving democracy and protecting interests of people of the state.
According to him, the National Assembly’s decision was guided by a desire to ensure patriotism, political cohesion, peace, and protection of democratic institutions.
The lawmaker’s clarification followed the controversy trailing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, with some groups accusing the National Assembly of compromise in its decision making process.
Galambi said: “I was surprised with posts, especially about lies and mischief perpetuated against us, that we collected some inducement or rather being coerced to pass the resolution supporting Mr. President’s action in Rivers.
“The majority of our members supported the good efforts of Mr. President to save democracy.
“The decision was taken to save Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is facing a lot of political challenges and maneuvering by a group of members of the Rivers House of Assembly, which may lead to his impeachment.
“Nigerians should appreciate the role of the National Assembly for asking the President to form a reconciliation team of eminent Nigerians before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule.
“Contrary to the emotional perspective of opposition, civil society groups and others; in the National Assembly, we look at issues from the perspective of patriotism, political cohesion, peace, to save democratic components including people, governor and members of the Rivers State Assembly.”