I Didn’t Receive Money to Support Emergency Rule in Rivers – Senator Victor Umeh

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has firmly denied allegations by Sahara Reporters that he received dollar bribes to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The online news outlet claimed that senators were given $10,000 to approve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s move to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, further alleging that Umeh played a role in distributing the money at a private lodge belonging to Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Abuja.

In a statement issued in response, Umeh dismissed the claims as entirely false and a continuation of what he described as a pattern of blackmail by Sahara Reporters. He stressed that he neither received any money nor participated in any meeting where such funds were distributed. He categorically stated, “I did not receive any money to support the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made.”

Senator Umeh explained that on the evening prior to the publication, he attended a traditional Iftar event at the Senate Guest House alongside Muslim colleagues. According to him, he offered a Christian prayer for peace and reconciliation in Nigeria and among the conflicting parties in Rivers State, following a Muslim prayer led by Senator Adamu Aliero. He emphasized that no discussion regarding a state of emergency took place during that gathering and that other Labour Party senators were also present.

Describing the report as a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation and create disaffection between him and his constituents, Umeh reiterated his commitment to integrity and public service. “This is not the first time Sahara Reporters has published false information about me. It’s becoming serial blackmail, and I’m warning them to stop. I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity,” he stated.

Umeh assured his supporters that he remains focused on his mandate and will not be deterred by what he called malicious and baseless reports.