From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh, has warned Sahara Reporters to desist from acts of serial blackmail against him or face legal action.
He was responding to allegations made by Sahara Reporters that he received dollars to support the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State.
In a statement, Umeh, who denied the reports, noted that this was the third time the outlet had published false information about him.
The Senator explained that he did not receive any money to support the approval of the State of Emergency in Rivers State and was not present at the alleged meeting on Wednesday where $10,000 was supposedly paid to 42 Senators, let alone being one of the key figures who organised the event.
“I did not receive any money to support the Approval of the State of Emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” Umeh stated.
He further explained that on the evening of Tuesday, he attended the traditional Iftar (breaking of fast) gathering at the Senate Guest House with their Muslim brothers and sisters, where he was asked to say the Christian prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero had said the Muslim prayers at the conclusion of the Iftar.
“I prayed for God to grant Peace to all parts of Nigeria and Reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State.
“I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another, for the good of our nation.
“We did not discuss State of Emergency in Rivers State at the Iftar.
“There were other Labour Party Senators at the Iftar.”
The Senator described the Sahara Reporters’ story as blackmail, stressing that it did not represent the truth.
He assured his constituents that such reports would not distract him from providing good representation, adding that the aim of the detractors was to create disaffection between him and the people and impugn his reputation.
“This is not the first time Sahara Reporters has published false information about me. It’s becoming a serial blackmail, and I’m warning them to stop.
“I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity,” Umeh declared.