THE CONTROVERSY surrounding the approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State has taken a new turn as Senate President Godswill Akpabio refuted allegations that lawmakers received $15,000 each to support the declaration.
The Explainer gathered that accusations of bribery surfaced following reports that senators were offered $5,000 each on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, the eve of the National Assembly’s decision. The claims further suggested that the payments were made at an Iftar gathering hosted by Akpabio in Abuja.
However, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio dismissed the allegations, describing them as a “malicious attempt to blackmail” him and the Senate.
“There has never existed any reason to share any money in such a solemn meeting, and no money in any currency was shared,” the statement read. “The rumour in itself is peddled by merchants of blackmail enterprise to add flavour to their subsisting hate and malice campaign.”
Beyond the bribery allegations, scrutiny has intensified over the method used to approve the state of emergency.
The Explainer reported that both chambers of the National Assembly adopted a voice vote—a process in which lawmakers verbally express their support or opposition, and the presiding officer determines the majority based on volume.
Legal experts and opposition lawmakers argue that this method contradicts Section 305 (6b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for such a proclamation. With 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members, at least 73 senators and 240 representatives should have explicitly voted in favour. However, no official roll-call vote was conducted.
While the voice vote suggested unanimous agreement, several senators have expressed dissatisfaction.
The Explainer gathered that Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) walked out of the chamber in protest, citing constitutional breaches.
“We were not given an opportunity to debate this issue in plenary,” Dickson reportedly stated. “A matter of such constitutional importance should not be rushed through a voice vote.”
Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT) also raised concerns, arguing that legislative due process was bypassed.
“This is not how such critical matters should be handled,” she said, warning that setting a precedent of voice voting for emergency rule approvals could undermine democratic accountability.
Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central, LP) distanced himself from the alleged bribery scandal, stating that he neither received nor distributed money.
“I did not receive any money to support the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State,” Umeh asserted. “I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made.”
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He further clarified that while he attended the Iftar gathering, discussions were strictly religious.
“I prayed for peace in Nigeria and reconciliation in Rivers State. The state of emergency was not discussed at all,” he added.
The Explainer gathered that the controversy has deepened existing political tensions, especially amid ongoing disputes over governance in Rivers State. Reports previously alleged that senators received bribes to approve President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalating concerns over executive-legislative interference.
The unfolding events have sparked reactions from civil society groups and legal experts. Constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), argued that the National Assembly’s approach could set a dangerous precedent. “A state of emergency is a drastic measure. If the process is not transparently followed, it could erode public trust in the legislature,” he warned.
The Explainer learned that watchdog organisations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), are considering legal action to challenge the approval process.
“We demand transparency and accountability from our lawmakers,” a SERAP representative stated. “The Senate must publish a full record of the voting process.”
