In a shocking development, a group of Nigerian Senators has reportedly pocketed large sums of money in exchange for their support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial decision to declare an emergency rule in Rivers State. According to sources, the event took place at the official guest house of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where Senators were handed $10,000 and $5,000 each to back the controversial move.
The Rivers State emergency rule, declared by President Tinubu earlier this month, has sparked intense debate across the country, with critics questioning the legality and intent behind the declaration. The move was ostensibly aimed at curbing escalating violence in the region. However, insiders have suggested that financial incentives played a role in swaying the opinions of key lawmakers.
Sources within the Senate revealed that the transaction took place under the cover of a late-night meeting at Akpabio’s guest house, where the Senators were handed envelopes containing varying amounts of cash. It has been confirmed that at least 15 Senators attended the event, with some receiving as much as $10,000 and others taking home $5,000, all for their endorsement of the controversial emergency rule.
The large sums of money exchanged for political support have raised concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process and the influence of monetary incentives on lawmaking. Critics have accused the government of undermining the democratic process and exploiting the vulnerability of lawmakers for political gain.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have quickly condemned the actions, calling for an immediate investigation into the matter. “This is a clear violation of ethical standards and a blatant abuse of power,” said one opposition leader. “We cannot allow the legislative process to be reduced to a marketplace of bribery and corruption.”
While the Nigerian Senate leadership has yet to officially comment on the allegations, calls for a probe into the events surrounding the meeting at Akpabio’s guest house are growing louder. Analysts warn that the unfolding scandal could deepen public distrust in the country’s political institutions, already plagued by allegations of corruption.