“It Was a Sallah Gesture, Not a Bribe” — Rep. Betara Accepts Doling Out $5,000 to Lawmakers, Says Money Not Linked to Rivers Emergency Rule

Amid growing controversy surrounding alleged financial inducements linked to the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has denied that recent cash handouts to lawmakers were bribes. Betara told investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar that the $5,000 given to each member of his committee was simply a “Sallah Gesture,” insisting it had no connection to President Bola Tinubu’s political moves in Rivers.

Jaafar, who posted the clarification via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, said Betara described the payment as a long-standing tradition he has upheld yearly, likening it to festive generosity. “As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg,” Betara reportedly said, dismissing the suggestion that the funds were tied to legislative support for the emergency rule.

However, this explanation aligns with earlier investigative findings by Sahara Reporters, which uncovered that large sums of money were distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Maitama, Abuja. According to sources, senators received between $5,000 and $10,000 on March 18 and 19 during closed-door meetings allegedly aimed at securing backing for the emergency declaration. The venue, located at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, became the focal point of these transactions, with at least 87 senators said to have benefited.

Adding to the intrigue, Labour Party senators Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen were reportedly present at both cash distribution nights, despite the party’s public opposition to the emergency rule. Sources claimed they actively participated in collecting the money alongside senators from the ruling party. Allegations they have both denied.

Reports also suggest that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike provided over $3 million to Akpabio to rally Senate support. The money was allegedly distributed during an Iftar dinner attended by select senators, with the amounts reportedly varying based on rank and influence.

Despite the financial incentives, key senators such as former governors Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal reportedly stayed away from the meetings. Meanwhile, the Senate’s official deliberation on the emergency rule was delayed until 3 p.m. last Wednesday, reportedly to prevent a full house and limit opposition voices. According to insiders, Senate President Akpabio engineered the delay to manipulate the vote outcome. Only about 60 senators were present, falling short of the 72 required to validate the emergency declaration, while the House of Representatives also faced internal confusion, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas allegedly kept out of the loop.

President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, citing escalating security threats and political instability, has now been overshadowed by the cash-for-support allegations. The unfolding scandal raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the process and the depth of political manoeuvring behind the scenes.