By Didimoko A. Didimoko
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied rumours that he bribed senators with $15,000 to support the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He called the allegations part of a smear campaign against him.
Akpabio, who is also facing allegations of sexual harassment made by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, spoke through his media aide, Nseme Eyibo.
For the first time, Akpabio addressed the claims circulating on social media. It was suggested that he distributed dollars to senators during a breaking of fast at his Maitama residence, with $5,000 given on Tuesday and $10,000 on Wednesday, the day before the vote on the state of emergency.
Akpabio rejected these accusations, labelling them as malicious and untrue.
Hon. Eseme Eyiboh explained, “It’s true that Senator Akpabio has hosted a breaking fast event since becoming Senate President, both last year and this year. So, why are these rumours coming up now?”
Eyiboh further questioned the logic of the accusations, asking, “Why would Akpabio give money to his colleagues? I’m aware of the breaking of fast, but there were no dollars involved, whether $5,000 or $10,000. These are just stories made up to fuel a campaign of hatred against him.”
He also pointed out that Akpabio has been hosting these events for years, so there was nothing unusual about this year’s gathering. “Why is this event suddenly being linked to money?” Eyiboh asked.
On the same day, Saturday Vanguard reported that both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the proclamation for a state of emergency in Rivers State with unanimous voice votes.
Difficult to believe that you were not bribed.