Fresh details have emerged regarding the controversy surrounding cash payments allegedly made to Nigerian lawmakers amid President Bola Tinubu’s push for a state of emergency in Rivers State. The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has denied claims that the payments were bribes intended to secure legislative support for the emergency rule.
Betara’s Clarification: ‘It Was a Sallah Gesture, Not an Inducement’
In an attempt to control the growing speculation, Betara reached out to investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar to clarify the nature of the funds distributed to lawmakers. According to Jaafar, Betara insisted that the $5,000 given to each committee member was part of an annual tradition and had no connection to the political crisis in Rivers State.
Jaafar shared Betara’s statement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“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,’ not as an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State. According to him, he maintains this tradition like Santa Clausevery year. As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg.”
Despite Betara’s explanation, the emerging details appear to corroborate SaharaReporters’ earlier exclusive findings, which indicated that large sums of money were distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Maitama, Abuja, allegedly as a means to sway lawmakers in favor of Tinubu’s plan for an emergency rule in Rivers State.
Secret Cash Disbursement at Akpabio’s Guest House
Sources confirm that the primary location where these payments took place was No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, the official guest house of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. On the nights of Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19, 2025, lawmakers reportedly received substantial amounts of cash in US dollars.
A top source revealed to Sahara Reporters that:
On Wednesday night, 42 senators were given $10,000 each.
On Tuesday night, 45 senators received $5,000 each.
The funds were allegedly given in exchange for their support in passing the motion for emergency rule in Rivers State.
Labour Party Senators’ Alleged Involvement
Adding to the controversy, SaharaReporters gathered that two Labour Party senators, Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen, were actively involved in the process despite their party’s opposition stance.
A source disclosed:
“They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and participated in collecting the money.”
Did Wike Provide $3 Million for the Senate’s Support?
Reports have also surfaced alleging that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike played a crucial role in ensuring the Senate’s approval of the emergency rule. According to sources, Wike allegedly provided over $3 million to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to secure the necessary votes.
A confidential source told SaharaReporters that:
“Wike and Akpabio met after President Tinubu directed them to ‘do the groundwork’ for the emergency declaration.”
This meeting allegedly led to a secret Iftar dinner, attended by selected senators, where varying amounts of dollars were distributed based on their rank and influence in the Senate.
Prominent Senators Boycott Cash-for-Votes Meeting
Despite the widespread disbursement of cash, some influential senators reportedly declined to attend or accept the money. Among those who allegedly snubbed the cash-sharing event were:
Former Governor Seriake Dickson and Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal
Strategic Delay in Senate Deliberations
In another twist, SaharaReporters learned that the Senate President deliberately postponed deliberations on the emergency rule until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Sources claim that this was a strategic move to reduce opposition votes by ensuring that some senators would be absent when the motion was put forward.
A source explained:
“The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.”
Under Nigeria’s legislative process:
At least 72 senators are required to sign in favor of an emergency rule.
In the House of Representatives, a minimum of 240 votes is needed for approval.
However, fewer than 60 senators were reportedly present when the motion was considered. Additionally, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of the House of Representatives was allegedly not informed about the planned vote, leading to chaos in the House during the session.
Tinubu’s Justification for Emergency Rule
President Bola Tinubu has defended the state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability, security threats, and recent oil pipeline vandalism as the reasons for the drastic measure.
