Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations that he distributed $15,000 to senators to secure their support for the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He described the claims as part of a smear campaign against him.
Addressing the allegations for the first time, Akpabio refuted reports circulating on social media that he facilitated the distribution of funds at his Maitama residence during a Ramadan fast-breaking event with senators.
According to reports, the Senate President was accused of overseeing the disbursement in two phases—$5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, ahead of the legislative vote.
However, in response to the claims, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the accusations, stating: “I am aware and it is true that since Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, assumed that position, he has been breaking fast. He did it last year, he did it this year, so why is it turning into a rumour?”
Questioning the rationale behind the allegations, Eyiboh added:
“On the issue of the dollars, he is giving the money for what? I am aware of the breaking of the fast, but I can tell you I am not aware, and it is not true of the dollars, whether $5,000 or $10,000. People are just conjuring it to be able to give flavour to their malice and hate campaign.
“People are just conjuring the story of the $5,000, $10,000 to add flavour to their malice and hate campaign. He has been doing it. He did it last year, so why is this one associated with money?”
On Thursday, both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State through a unanimous voice vote.