House of Representatives Denies Allegations of Bribery Over State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State
The House of Representatives has firmly rejected claims that its members were bribed with $5,000 each to approve President Bola Tinubu’s request for a State of Emergency in Rivers State. Deputy spokesman for the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), labeled these allegations as false and malicious, suggesting they originated from “the pit of hell,” during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
Agbese emphasized that the resolution passed by the House regarding the State of Emergency was motivated by a sense of patriotism and the desire for lasting peace in Rivers State. “The suggestion that members were incentivized with money to support this resolution is profoundly unfair to the Parliament. It reflects poorly on our integrity,” he asserted.
He further explained, “What we did on Thursday was guided by wisdom like that of King Solomon aimed at addressing the security and political situation in Rivers State. Allegations of bribery are simply fabrications intended to undermine our credibility and create division.”
In his statements, Agbese underscored the independence of the House of Representatives, asserting that its decisions are shaped by democratic principles and the collective will of the Nigerian populace. He described the bribery accusations as outrageous attempts to delegitimize the Parliament and urged the opposition to acknowledge the positive contributions being made for the nation.
Agbese elaborated on the rationale behind the State of Emergency declaration, explaining that various stakeholders in Rivers State are committed to its development but have faced escalating disagreements. He reiterated, “We approved the State of Emergency declaration not for personal gain but out of a genuine concern for the welfare of Rivers State residents.”
He also noted that the government in Rivers State is making progress but stressed the importance of maintaining institutional stability. “Our goal as Parliament is to ensure that democracy in Rivers is preserved,” he stated.
While addressing concerns related to the emergency declaration, Agbese clarified that the Parliament proposed amendments to enhance the proclamation’s efficacy. He assured that the National Assembly would oversee legislative responsibilities in the state during this period and emphasized the need for prompt resolutions among conflicting parties.
Agbese expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to democratic values, saying, “We trust that if the issues are resolved quickly, the state of emergency will come to an end sooner than anticipated.”
He also mentioned the establishment of a tri-partite committee to facilitate dialogue among the conflicting groups in Rivers State, promoting a peaceful resolution.
Urging the public to dismiss the bribery allegations, Agbese placed the blame for these accusations on “fifth columnists” and political opponents seeking to tarnish Parliament’s reputation. He reassured Nigerians of the House’s dedication to serving the public interest as “the People’s House” and expressed optimism that both the Rivers State Government and Assembly would emerge stronger post-emergency.
Addressing concerns about quorum during the voting, Agbese confirmed that the House met the required threshold, with 243 members present for the session.
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