Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has been rocked by explosive allegations of financial inducement following last week's emergency rule declaration in Rivers State, with Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) making a dramatic denial on the Senate floor that he was among 42 senators who allegedly received $10,000 each from Senate President Godswill Akpabio to support the controversial measure.
The Explosive Claim
During Wednesday's plenary session, Senator Umeh rose under Order 43 of the Senate Rules to clear his name after widespread social media reports claimed all senators present during the Rivers State emergency rule debate received monetary inducement.
"I want it on record that I never collected any money, whether $10,000 or otherwise, regarding the Rivers State matter," Umeh stated. "My vote was based on constitutional considerations, not financial incentives."
The allegation first surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) when investigative journalist Jackson Ude claimed Senate President Akpabio distributed $10,000 bills to 42 senators to secure their support for the emergency rule declaration following President Tinubu's request.
READ ALSO: Obi Slams Tinubu: Rivers Funds to Sole Administrator Defy Supreme Court
Constitutional Crisis in Rivers State
The Senate had on [insert date] approved President Bola Tinubu's request for emergency rule in Rivers State amid escalating political violence between factions loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now FCT Minister.
The declaration, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, has been criticized by constitutional lawyers like Femi Falana (SAN) who argue it violates constitutional provisions regarding state autonomy.
Umeh's Detailed Rebuttal
In his 15-minute emotional submission, Senator Umeh presented three key arguments:
1. Attendance Record: "The voting records will show I was physically absent during the emergency rule vote due to prior constituency commitments."
2. Financial Transparency: "I challenge anyone to check my bank records - no such payment was received through official or unofficial channels."
3. Legislative Integrity: "As a former National Chairman of APGA, I've built my reputation on integrity over 20 years in public service."
Umeh demanded the Senate Ethics Committee investigate the bribery claims, warning that "such allegations undermine public trust in our democracy."
READ ALSO: 2027: SDP’s Strength Won’t Be Enough to Unseat Tinubu, Says Primate Ayodele
Political Reactions
The opposition Labour Party, to which Umeh belongs, immediately issued a statement supporting his position. National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stated: "We commend Senator Umeh's courage in speaking truth to power. This confirms our long-held position about corruption in the legislature."
However, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti) dismissed the allegations as "baseless rumors," telling journalists: "The Senate operates with utmost transparency. No such payments occurred."
Historical Context of Legislative Inducements
This isn't the first time Nigeria's National Assembly has faced bribery allegations:
- 2016 Budget Padding Scandal: Former Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee Abdulmumin Jibrin alleged N40 billion was inserted into the budget.
- 2022 $10,000 Bribery Claim: Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa confessed on camera to influencing judges through his wife, a former Appeal Court President.
Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perception Index ranked Nigeria 145 out of 180 countries, citing legislative corruption as a major concern.
Expert Analysis
Constitutional law professor Itse Sagay (SAN) told Daily Mentor: "The allegations, if proven true, constitute gross misconduct under Section 69 of the Constitution. The EFCC has statutory authority to investigate."
Political analyst Dr. Sam Amadi noted: "This controversy exposes the systemic crisis in Nigeria's legislature. When citizens believe laws are bought rather than debated, democracy suffers."
READ ALSO: Leadership Overhaul: Bakare, Ezekwesili Chart Path Out of Nigeria's Governance Crisis
Public Outcry
The allegations have sparked nationwide outrage, with #SenateBribery trending on Nigerian Twitter. Civil society groups including SERAP and EiE Nigeria have threatened legal action to compel transparency.
Market trader Adenike Balogun told our reporter: "How can they take dollars when ordinary Nigerians are suffering? This is why our country isn't progressing."
Next Steps
As at press time:
1. The Senate Ethics Committee has 14 days to respond to Umeh's petition.
2. Anti-corruption groups are preparing FOI requests to the Central Bank regarding dollar disbursements.
3. The Presidency has remained conspicuously silent on the allegations.
This developing story represents yet another test for Nigeria's embattled democracy as citizens await concrete actions rather than the usual political theater.