Akpabio Speaks on Alleged $15,000 Bribe to Senators Over Emergency Rule in Rivers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations that he distributed $15,000 in bribes to senators to secure their endorsement of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Addressing the rumours for the first time, Akpabio described them as a smear campaign aimed at discrediting his person.

The allegations, which circulated widely on social media, claimed that Akpabio hosted senators at his Maitama residence for iftar and used the occasion to distribute cash incentives—$5,000 on Tuesday and another $10,000 on Wednesday, allegedly in anticipation of Thursday’s vote on the state of emergency proclamation.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio dismissed the reports, stating that the Ramadan gatherings were routine and not connected to any political motive. “I am aware and it is true that since Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, assumed that position he has been breaking fast. He did it last year, he did it this year, so why is it turning into a rumour?” Eyiboh said.

He further challenged the logic behind the bribery claims. “On the issue of the dollars, he is giving the money for what? I am aware of the breaking of the fast, but I can tell you I am not aware and it is not true of the dollars, whether $5,000 or $10,000. People are just conjuring it to be able to give flavour to their malice and hate campaign.”

The Senate and the House of Representatives both passed the state of emergency proclamation on Rivers State with a unanimous voice vote on Thursday.