Bribery Scandal or Political Smear? Nigerian Reps Dismiss $5,000 Endorsement Claims

The House of Representatives has dismissed allegations that each member received $5,000 to support President Bola Tinubu’s request for a State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State. Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House (Benue, APC), addressed the issue during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, calling the allegations false, malicious, and originating from “the pit of hell.”

Agbese explained that the resolution passed by the House regarding the State of Emergency in Rivers was made out of patriotism and aimed at restoring lasting peace in the state. He stated, “The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution is very unfair to Parliament. What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon.”

He further clarified that any insinuation of financial inducement is nothing but a fabrication. “The opposition should recognize the positive efforts we are making for the country every day,” he added. “At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement regarding the State of Emergency declaration. Our decision was based on extensive discussions about the security and political situation in Rivers State, consistent with our constitutional duty to maintain national stability. Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction, aimed at distorting facts and creating unnecessary tension in the country.”

Agbese emphasized that the House of Representatives remains an independent institution, guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people. “Our responsibility is to make decisions that serve the national interest, not to yield to unfounded distractions that undermine public trust. The bribery allegations are a desperate attempt to discredit the House and should be dismissed as political nonsense.”

He likened the President’s actions to King Solomon’s wisdom in resolving disputes, suggesting that the people of Rivers are genuinely interested in the state’s progress and development. He acknowledged that disagreements had arisen among parties, prompting the President to declare a state of emergency to foster unity and deepen democracy.

As members of Parliament committed to the peace and well-being of Rivers State, they approved the State of Emergency declaration out of patriotism, not for any financial gain as claimed. “We have observed some of the developments in Rivers State, and the government is not performing poorly. However, we do not want to see the breakdown of institutions in the state,” Agbese remarked. “We exercised our judgment as a Parliament rather than succumbing to external pressures.”

He asserted that the Parliament is dedicated to upholding democracy and its institutions. “We resolved to make certain amendments to the proclamations made by the President. One amendment is that the Parliament will take over the legislative responsibilities of the Rivers Assembly during the state of emergency. Secondly, we determined that the state of emergency does not have to last six months; if the parties can resolve their differences sooner, the President should have the discretion to shorten the period from 180 days.”

Agbese expressed confidence that President Tinubu is a true democrat who will support democratic institutions in the country. “We know the President well. He is committed to protecting our democracy and has consistently fought for the institutions that uphold it. We believe that he will prioritize democratic principles,” he concluded.