Bribery scandal erupts as lawmakers, Wike, and the Senate face backlash for emergency declaration done via voice vote
March 22, 2025 | Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied allegations that lawmakers received up to $15,000 each as bribes to support President Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration in Rivers State, describing the reports as politically motivated blackmail.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio acknowledged hosting some senators at his Maitama guest house for Iftar, but insisted “no money in any currency was shared.”
“There has never existed any reason to share money in such a solemn meeting,” the statement read, calling the report a “spurious rumour” peddled by “merchants of blackmail.”
Alleged Bribe: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
The Akpabio Rivers emergency rule bribery denial was prompted by a report by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that 45 senators were given $5,000 on Tuesday, and 42 others received $10,000 on Wednesday—just before the National Assembly approved the emergency rule.
The report also claims the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, provided the funds, which were allegedly distributed during the Iftar meeting.
Senators Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen, both of the Labour Party, were named as key organizers of the alleged payout. While Umeh has denied involvement, Imasuen has yet to respond.
As of Saturday evening, Wike has neither confirmed nor denied the allegation, deepening public suspicion and fueling online uproar.
Constitutional Breach? Voice Vote Sparks Uproar
While the Akpabio Rivers emergency rule bribery denial took center stage, another controversy ignited—this time over how the emergency rule was approved.
According to Section 305 (6b) of the Nigerian Constitution, declaring a state of emergency requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers: 73 of 109 senators and 240 of 360 representatives.
However, rather than a recorded vote, the Senate and House approved Tinubu’s proclamation using a voice vote—a method critics say is prone to manipulation.
“Aye or nay should never decide an emergency,” said FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, calling the process a violation of constitutional procedure.
Dissenters Walk Out, Demand Debate
Several senators, including Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), and Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), opposed the emergency rule and walked out of the Senate chamber before the vote.
Dickson later decried the lack of open debate, warning that such constitutional breaches erode public trust and democratic accountability.
“We were not even allowed to speak,” Dickson said. “This is not how serious democracies handle emergency powers.”
The Silence from Wike and the Fallout Ahead
With Wike’s silence, Akpabio’s denial, and lawmakers under public scrutiny, Nigerians are left wondering whether this was genuine governance or a well-dressed power grab.
As tensions in Rivers escalate and trust in national institutions continues to erode, the Akpabio Rivers emergency rule bribery denial is unlikely to silence the storm—if anything, it’s just the beginning.
