State of emergency: Jigawa lawmaker denies taking bribe

… As Eyiboh debunks allegation of dollar-sharing by Senate President

From Sola Ojo, Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

As controversy rages over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a member of House of Representatives, representing Gwaram Federal Constituency from Jigawa State, Hon Yusuf Shittu Galambi, has dismissed allegations that lawmakers in the National Assembly received bribes to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, Galamb argued that there was no truth in the claims that lawmakers were induced or coerced into endorsing the president’s declaration.

According to him, the majority of members supported the decision due to their commitment to saving democracy and protecting the interests of the people of Rivers State. Galamb explained that the National Assembly’s decision was guided by patriotism, political cohesion, peace, and the desire to protect democratic institutions.

“I was surprised with the media posts, especially about the lies and mischief perpetuated against us, that we collected some inducement or rather being coerced to pass on the resolution of supporting Mr President’s action in Rivers state.

“The majority of our members supported Mr President to save democracy and even saving governor Siminalayi Fubara who is facing a lot of political challenges and maneuvering by a group of members of the Rivers State Assembly which may lead to his impeachment.

“Nigerians should appreciate the role of the National Assembly for asking the President to form a reconciliation team of eminent Nigerians before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule.

“Contrary to the emotional perspective of opposition, civil society groups and individuals, in the assembly, we look at the issues from the perspective of patriotism, political cohesion, and peace, to save democratic components including the people, governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.

Similarly, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has denied that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, shared dollars with his colleagues to buy their support for President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

He, however, denied issuing any press release regarding the Iftar (breaking of fast) hosted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. His clarification followed social media speculation suggesting that foreign currency was distributed at the Senate President’s Iftar gathering on Wednesday night to approve the proclamation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Eyiboh dismissed the claim that money was shared at the event, describing it as a baseless rumor spread by those engaged in a “blackmail enterprise” to fuel their campaign of “hate and malice.”

“There has never existed any reason to share money at such a solemn gathering, and no money in any currency was shared,” he added.

He also clarified that while he did confirm the Iftar meeting to a newspaper correspondent, he never issued any official statement about it. “It is true that a newspaper correspondent called me to confirm or disclaim the rumour of sharing dollars during the breaking of fast. I confirmed that the Iftar meeting took place and reiterated that the Senate President has always hosted his colleagues from both religious faiths in every season of spiritual rebirth,” he said.