According to insider accounts, on March 18, senators allegedly received varying sums of money—some reportedly receiving as much as $10,000—as part of an effort to ensure legislative backing for the emergency rule declaration in Rivers State. These payments were reportedly made on two separate nights, with at least 42 senators benefitting from the largesse.
Abuja, Nigeria – Fresh controversy has emerged over the distribution of cash to Nigerian lawmakers amid President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for a state of emergency in Rivers State. Amid speculations that the payments were meant to sway legislators in favor of the emergency rule, a senior lawmaker has come forward to clarify the intent behind the funds.
Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied allegations that the money distributed to lawmakers was a bribe. Speaking to investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar, Betara insisted that the $5,000 given to each member of his committee was merely a “Sallah Gesture” and had no connection to the political crisis in Rivers State.
According to Betara, the tradition of giving such financial gifts during festive periods is long-standing and not linked to any legislative decisions. “The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture’ and not as an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State,” Jaafar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
However, sources familiar with the situation suggest that a larger, more coordinated effort to secure support for the emergency rule was underway. Multiple reports indicate that Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Maitama, Abuja, served as the location where substantial amounts of cash were distributed to senators.
According to insider accounts, on March 18, senators allegedly received varying sums of money—some reportedly receiving as much as $10,000—as part of an effort to ensure legislative backing for the emergency rule declaration in Rivers State. These payments were reportedly made on two separate nights, with at least 42 senators benefitting from the largesse.
Adding to the intrigue, it is alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike played a central role in financing the operation. Reports indicate that Wike provided over $3 million to Akpabio to facilitate the emergency rule declaration, further fueling speculations about the political undercurrents at play. The funds were allegedly distributed during an Iftar dinner attended by selected lawmakers.
Despite these efforts, some prominent senators, including former governors Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal, reportedly distanced themselves from the initiative, refusing to attend the meetings or accept the cash.
The situation took another turn when Senate deliberations on the emergency rule were abruptly postponed to 3 p.m. on the scheduled day of discussion. This delay, according to sources, was allegedly a strategic move by Akpabio to limit opposition voices in the chamber. The postponement ensured that fewer senators were present to oppose the motion when it was tabled.
In the House of Representatives, confusion also ensued as Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was reportedly not fully briefed on the process, leading to chaotic scenes in the lower chamber. Under Nigerian law, a state of emergency declaration requires at least 72 senators and 240 House members to approve the motion, making the cash-for-support allegations even more critical to the legitimacy of the process.
President Tinubu’s justification for the emergency rule was the growing instability in Rivers State, marked by political infighting, rising tensions between factions, and security threats such as recent oil pipeline vandalism. However, the revelations surrounding the alleged financial inducements have raised serious concerns about the true motivations behind the declaration.
As scrutiny intensifies, both the presidency and lawmakers are now under pressure to provide clarity on the payments and their connection—if any—to the controversial state of emergency. Whether this move was driven by genuine security concerns or political maneuvering remains a question that Nigerians and the international community continue to watch closely.
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