ABUJA, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed allegations that he facilitated the disbursement of $15,000 to senators to secure their endorsement of the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State.
Describing the claims as part of a “hate campaign” against him, Akpabio refuted the rumours through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon Eseme Eyiboh.
The allegations, which circulated on social media, suggested that Akpabio distributed $5,000 on Tuesday and an additional $10,000 on Wednesday during a breaking of fast (Iftar) event with senators at his Maitama residence.
The payments were allegedly made to influence votes ahead of the Senate’s approval of the state of emergency on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Eyiboh, however, denied the claims, stating that the Senate President has a tradition of hosting senators for Iftar during Ramadan and that the allegations were baseless.
“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?” Eyiboh said.
He questioned the logic behind the allegations, asking, “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 $10,000. People are just conjuring it to be able to give flavour to their malice and hate campaign.”
Eyiboh emphasized that Akpabio has consistently hosted such gatherings without controversy.
“He has been doing it. He did it last year, so why is this one associated with money?” he added.
The Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously approved the state of emergency in Rivers State on Thursday through a voice vote.
The proclamation, initiated by President Bola Tinubu, followed weeks of political unrest in the oil-rich state.
Akpabio’s denial comes amid heightened political tensions and scrutiny of the Senate’s decision. Critics have questioned the timing and motives behind the state of emergency, with some alleging that the move was influenced by partisan interests.
The Senate President’s office has urged the public to disregard the allegations, describing them as an attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation.
“People are just conjuring the story of the $5,00010,000 to add flavour to their malice and hate campaign,” Eyiboh reiterated.
