Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has categorically denied claims that recent cash payments to lawmakers were bribes intended to garner support for President Bola Tinubu’s proposed state of emergency in Rivers State.
The controversy erupted following reports of $5,000 payments made to Nigerian lawmakers, which some critics have suggested were intended to influence their votes. Betara clarified in a statement to investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar that the funds were merely a “Sallah Gesture,” a traditional practice, and not an attempt to sway political decisions.
Jaafar shared Betara’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The chairman confirmed that he distributed $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture’ and emphasized that this is a tradition he upholds annually. As we say in Hausa, it’s not about bribery, but rather a customary gesture.”
However, this explanation contrasts sharply with earlier reports from SaharaReporters, which indicated that significant sums of money were distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Abuja to secure legislative support for the emergency rule. Sources revealed that on two separate nights, senators received cash payouts, with 42 senators reportedly receiving $10,000 each, and 45 senators receiving $5,000 each.
The guest house at No. 22, Yedeseram Street was identified as the central location for these transactions, raising further questions about the integrity of the legislative process. Notably, Labour Party senators Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen were reportedly involved in the cash distribution despite their party’s opposition to the emergency rule.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, allegations surfaced that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had provided over $3 million to Akpabio to ensure Senate support for the emergency declaration. This financial maneuvering reportedly occurred during an Iftar dinner attended by select senators, where funds were distributed based on seniority.
Despite the financial incentives, several prominent senators, including former governors Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal, chose to abstain from the proceedings. Tensions escalated further when Senate deliberations on the emergency rule were postponed, allegedly to limit opposition participation.
Insiders revealed that Senate President Akpabio delayed the vote to a later time when fewer senators would be present, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the legislative process. With a minimum of 72 senators required for a quorum and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas reportedly uninformed about the situation, the chaos within the House of Representatives was palpable.
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is framed as a response to political instability and security threats, including recent incidents of oil pipeline vandalism. However, the allegations of cash-for-support transactions cast a shadow over the legitimacy of this decision and highlight the potential for political maneuvering in the face of governance challenges.
