Sahara Reporters 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.
President Tinubu on Tuesday, March 19, declared a state of emergency 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 on Thursday – yesterday, March 20 – the Senate and the House of Representatives convened to deliberate on the proclamation.
The Senate held a closed-door session lasting over an hour to discuss the emergency rule.
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.
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.
