Money exchanged hands at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as lawmakers were reportedly paid to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
According to Sahara Reporters, 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators got $5,000 each on Tuesday night.
The payments were allegedly meant to ensure approval for the controversial emergency rule.
The funds were reportedly distributed at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, where Akpabio hosted the meetings, News About Nigeria reports.
Two Labour Party senators, Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen, were said to have been present at both gatherings and participated in collecting the money.
Reports said that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike provided the funds, allegedly acting on Tinubu’s instructions to secure support for the emergency rule.
Wike and Akpabio reportedly met before the payments were made, with over $3 million allegedly allocated for the effort.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security threats and political instability.
This move led to the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly.
Following the announcement, the Senate scheduled a debate on the matter for Wednesday.
However, Senate President Akpabio delayed the discussion until 3 p.m., a time when many senators had already left the chamber.
During a closed-door session, the Senate approved the emergency declaration, citing constitutional provisions that allow the President to take such action with legislative backing.
A joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives was also formed to oversee the state’s administration during the emergency period.
