Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected claims that he distributed a $15,000 bribe to senators in exchange for their support in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He described the allegations as part of a malicious smear campaign against him.
Speaking out for the first time on the rumors circulating on social media, Akpabio addressed the reports that he allegedly facilitated the distribution of the money at his residence in Maitama during a Ramadan fast with senators.
According to Saturday Vanguard, it was claimed that Akpabio orchestrated the distribution of the funds over two consecutive days: $5,000 on a Tuesday, followed by $10,000 on the Wednesday just before the vote on the state of emergency.
However, Akpabio dismissed these claims as false, labeling them as part of a broader campaign to tarnish his reputation. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, he said.
“It is true that since assuming the position of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has hosted Iftar (breaking of fast) with senators. He did it last year and again this year, so why is this now being turned into a rumor?”
Eyiboh continued, questioning the logic behind such an accusation.
“Why would Senator Akpabio be giving out dollars to his colleagues? I am aware of the breaking of fast but I can assure you that there is no truth to the story of the $5,000 or $10,000. This is simply an attempt to fuel their malicious campaign with false narratives.”
He added: “These fabricated stories of the money are just being used to add weight to their hate-driven campaign. This is something that has been happening for years, so why suddenly associate it with money?”
The state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State was unanimously passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday through a voice vote.
