The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Betara, has officially clarified the circumstances surrounding the distribution of $5,000 to members of the House, describing it as a “Sallah gesture” and not a bribe linked to President Bola Tinubu's emergency rule in Rivers State.
In a statement to the press, Betara confirmed that the $5,000 received by lawmakers was part of a customary goodwill gesture during the Muslim holiday of Sallah, aimed at fostering unity and goodwill among political leaders during festive times. He strongly refuted any claims that the money was tied to any specific legislative action or influenced by ongoing discussions about the emergency rule imposed in Rivers State.
"The funds provided were a token gesture, consistent with long-standing traditions during Sallah, and should not be misconstrued as a form of bribery or undue influence," Betara emphasized. "This is a baseless attempt to politicize a simple act of goodwill. Any assertion that the funds were provided in connection with the emergency rule in Rivers is entirely unfounded."
The Speaker further stressed that the legislative process surrounding President Tinubu's declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State would continue to be based on constitutional guidelines and national interest, rather than any external influence or financial inducements.