The People’s Insight has uncovered that cash was secretly 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 revealed that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, served as the venue where senators received substantial payouts.
According to the sources, 42 senators were handed $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators received $5,000 each on Tuesday night. The cash was allegedly meant to influence the lawmakers’ approval of the controversial emergency rule.
The People’s Insight also learned that Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party played key roles in organizing 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 disclosed.
“The venue was the Senate President’s guest house at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, where 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, and 45 senators got $5,000 each on Tuesday, March 18, to pass the controversial Rivers State emergency rule.”
Wike Allegedly Bankrolled Akpabio to Secure Senate’s Approval
Further investigations revealed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, allegedly provided funds to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to rally senators in support of President Tinubu’s declaration.
This followed Tinubu’s announcement of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, which led to the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the state’s House of Assembly.
On Wednesday, the Senate deferred discussions on the matter until 3 p.m. that same day. Although Tinubu’s letter on the emergency rule was listed as the first item on the Senate’s Order Paper, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Sources told The People’s Insight that Akpabio deliberately delayed the debate until later in the day when most senators would have left the chamber.
“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio after Tinubu instructed him to do the groundwork for the state of emergency. Over $3 million was reportedly handed over when Wike met with Akpabio,” one of the sources revealed.
“Akpabio then invited selected senators to Iftar, after which he distributed dollars based on their seniority.”
However, sources disclosed that some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, along with several other former governors, did not attend the Iftar.
“The announcement was made during Iftar,” another source said.
“The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber. At least 72 senators are required to sign, but fewer than 60 were present today. The House of Representatives also needs a minimum of 240 votes. Meanwhile, Speaker Tajudeen Abass was not informed, which explains the chaos in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday).”
Tinubu’s Emergency Rule and the Fallout
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing rising political instability and security threats, including recent pipeline vandalism that jeopardized the country’s oil production.
This move resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state House of Assembly members for six months. To oversee the administration during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state’s administrator.
As per constitutional requirements, the declaration required National Assembly approval.
The Senate’s resolution included the formation of a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to oversee the administration of Rivers State throughout the emergency period. Additionally, a committee of eminent Nigerians was proposed to mediate and resolve the crisis within the six-month timeframe.
House of Representatives’ Chaotic Proceedings
On Thursday, the House of Representatives convened to deliberate on the President’s decision. With 243 members in attendance, a voice vote was conducted, and the majority supported the emergency rule.
The House recommended setting up a national committee to restore peace and normalcy in Rivers State. It also resolved that the National Assembly would assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the duration of the emergency rule.
These legislative approvals effectively activated the state of emergency, granting the federal government full control over the state’s governance for the next six months.
As political tensions continue to rise, the fallout from this scandal is expected to further deepen the already fragile political climate in Rivers State and across the nation.
About the Author
