Reps Deny Allegations of $5,000 Bribe to Ratify Emergency Rule in Rivers

The House of Representatives has rejected allegations that each member received a $5,000 bribe to approve President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State. The House Deputy Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), dismissed the claim as “false, malicious, and coming from the pit of hell.”

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Agbese explained that the House’s decision to approve the emergency rule was made out of patriotism and a commitment to restoring lasting peace in the South-South state.

“The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution is unfair and deeply wrong. What we did was in the national interest and aligned with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon,” Agbese said.

He rejected any claims that financial inducement played a role in the resolution, stating that the House was focused on its constitutional duties to address the security and political situation in Rivers State. “The decision was made after thorough deliberations, not based on any bribe,” he added.

Agbese emphasized that the House of Representatives is an independent institution, guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people. He described the bribery allegations as an attempt to discredit the legislature and undermine public trust.

“The opposition should recognize the positive work we are doing for the country,” Agbese stated. “The decision on the state of emergency was made based on our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability. Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction.”

He likened the situation to King Solomon’s wisdom in resolving a dispute over a child, drawing a parallel to the President’s decision to declare the state of emergency in Rivers State. Agbese explained that, despite disagreements between parties in the state, the emergency rule would allow time for reconciliation and prevent a breakdown in governance.

“We did not act out of sentiment but deployed our wisdom to protect the integrity of Rivers State and its institutions,” he said. “The state of emergency is not about pitting parties against each other but ensuring peace and fostering dialogue.”

The deputy spokesperson also pointed out that the legislature made key amendments to the President’s emergency proclamation before approving it. These changes included provisions for the National Assembly to assume the legislative duties of the Rivers Assembly during the state of emergency and the flexibility for the emergency period to be shortened if the parties involved were able to resolve their differences quickly.

In addition, the House proposed the creation of a tri-partite committee composed of eminent Nigerians, lawmakers, and members of the Executive Council to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful resolution between the warring groups in Rivers State.