Fresh revelations have emerged regarding an alleged cash-for-support deal that reportedly took place at the guest house of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Abuja. According to multiple sources, senators were allegedly given monetary incentives amounting to $10,000 and $5,000 each in exchange for their support of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The alleged transactions are said to have taken place at Akpabio’s residence, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja. Reports indicate that the distribution of cash occurred over two consecutive nights—Tuesday and Wednesday. The goal of these financial handouts was purportedly to secure the necessary legislative backing for the proposed emergency rule in Rivers State.
Sources privy to the matter claim that on Wednesday night, a total of 42 senators each received an amount of $10,000 to solidify their commitment to supporting the motion. Prior to this, on Tuesday night, a separate group of 45 lawmakers reportedly received $5,000 each, in what is believed to be an effort to further strengthen legislative support for the controversial decision.
Further reports suggest that two prominent Labour Party senators, Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen, were allegedly involved in coordinating and facilitating the payout process. Their role in the distribution of funds has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the integrity of the legislative process regarding the state of emergency proposal.
As the controversy unfolds, political analysts and civil society organizations have called for transparency and accountability in the matter. Meanwhile, neither the Senate President nor the accused lawmakers have officially responded to these allegations, leaving the public eager for clarifications on the unfolding situation.