Akpabio Denies Bribing Senators with $15,000 to Pass Rivers Emergency Declaration.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations that he offered a $15,000 bribe to senators to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The allegation, which surfaced on social media, claimed that Akpabio facilitated cash disbursements to lawmakers at his Maitama residence during Ramadan fast-breaking events.

However, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has dismissed the claims as baseless and part of a smear campaign against the Senate President.

According to Eyiboh, Akpabio had indeed hosted senators for iftar, a traditional Ramadan fast-breaking event, but there was no monetary inducement involved.

“I am aware that since Senator Godswill Akpabio assumed the position of Senate President, he has been hosting Ramadan fast-breaking events. He did it last year, and he did it again this year, so why is this being turned into a rumour?” Eyiboh questioned.

The allegations had claimed that Akpabio distributed $5,000 to senators on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, just before the legislative vote on the emergency proclamation.

However, Eyiboh denied any knowledge of such disbursements, stating that people were “simply making up these claims to add weight to their malice and smear campaign” against Akpabio.

The allegations of bribery surfaced on social media platforms, with some users claiming that Akpabio had used his position to influence the outcome of the legislative vote on the state of emergency in Rivers State.

The claims were quickly picked up by some online news outlets, which reported that Akpabio had facilitated the bribe to ensure that the senators voted in favor of the emergency declaration.

However, Akpabio’s office has consistently denied the allegations, stating that they are part of a larger smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the Senate President’s reputation.

Eyiboh’s statement is the first official response from Akpabio’s office, and it is likely to be followed by further denials and clarifications in the coming days.

The Senate has not officially commented on the allegations, but some senators have expressed skepticism about the claims. Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi, a member of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that the allegations were “unfounded and baseless.

“We are not aware of any bribe or inducement offered to senators to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State,” Abdullahi said.

The allegations of bribery have significant implications for Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate and the legislative process. If the allegations are proven to be true, it could lead to a loss of confidence in Akpabio’s ability to lead the Senate and potentially damage the reputation of the legislative body as a whole.

However, if the allegations are found to be false, it could damage the credibility of the media outlets and individuals who reported the claims. The incident highlights the need for fact-checking and verification of information before publication, particularly in sensitive and high-stakes political environments.

It is unclear whether an investigation will be launched into the allegations, but Akpabio’s office has called for a thorough probe into the matter. Eyiboh stated that Akpabio is “willing to cooperate with any investigation” and is “confident that the truth will come out.”

The Senate may also launch an internal investigation into the allegations, although this has not been confirmed. The incident is likely to be discussed at the next Senate plenary session, where senators may demand clarification and accountability from Akpabio and his office.