Akpabio opens up on allegations of $15,000 bribe over Rivers SoE vote

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports that senators received a $15,000 bribe to support the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling the allegations a smear campaign against him.

Addressing the speculation circulating on social media, Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, refuted claims that he distributed dollars to senators during a Ramadan fast-breaking event at his Maitama residence.

Reports had alleged that $5,000 was handed out on Tuesday, followed by an additional $10,000 on Wednesday, just before the vote.

Eyiboh clarified that Akpabio has been hosting such gatherings since assuming office and questioned why this year’s event was being linked to bribery.

“He has been breaking fast since last year. Why is this one different? The claims about $5,000 or $10,000 are false and part of a malicious campaign,” Eyiboh stated.

On Thursday, both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State with a unanimous voice vote.