House of Representatives Denies $5,000 Bribery Allegations Over Rivers State Emergency

The House of Representatives has strongly denied allegations that its members were bribed with $5,000 each to approve President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State. The claims, which surfaced after the House’s resolution on Thursday, have been dismissed as baseless, false, and an attempt to tarnish the integrity of the legislative body.

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House of Representatives Defends Its Decision

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), vehemently rejected the allegations, describing them as “lies from the pit of hell.” According to him, the decision to support the emergency declaration was guided by patriotism and the need to restore peace and stability in Rivers State, not financial inducement.

“The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution is unfair to the Parliament. Very, very unfair to the Parliament,” Agbese stated firmly.

He argued that the House acted in accordance with its constitutional responsibilities and in the best interest of the country. He likened the decision-making process to the wisdom of King Solomon, emphasizing that lawmakers carefully evaluated the situation before making their resolution.

Bribery Allegations Labeled as Malicious Propaganda

The bribery allegations emerged after the House of Representatives approved the state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Critics suggested that lawmakers were financially motivated to support the move.

However, Agbese dismissed such claims as mere propaganda from opposition elements trying to discredit the House. He maintained that no lawmaker received money to support the resolution and called on Nigerians to disregard the misinformation.

“All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell,” he said.

He further accused critics of deliberately ignoring the efforts of the House in addressing key national issues and ensuring governance remains effective across the country.

House of Representatives Ensures a Fair and Balanced Approach

While rejecting the bribery accusations, Agbese highlighted the significant amendments made by the House to President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation. He noted that Parliament had ensured that the National Assembly would assume legislative responsibilities for the Rivers State House of Assembly during the emergency period.

Additionally, he emphasized that the House had built flexibility into the state of emergency, allowing it to be lifted earlier than planned if the political crisis in Rivers State is resolved sooner than expected.

“Even if it is within two weeks, that these parties are able to resolve their differences and show that they are on the same page, Mr. President, in his wisdom, should also reduce the period from 180 days,” Agbese explained.

President Tinubu’s Commitment to Democracy

Agbese expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to upholding democracy and protecting democratic institutions in Nigeria. He pointed out that Tinubu had long been a strong advocate for democratic governance and would not abuse his executive powers.

“We know Mr. President very well. He is a democrat. He has fought for the institutions of our democracy as far as Nigeria is concerned,” Agbese stated.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration remains dedicated to fostering peace in Rivers State, and the state of emergency would be lifted as soon as normalcy returns.

A Committee to Resolve the Rivers State Crisis

In a bid to restore lasting peace in Rivers State, Agbese announced the formation of a tri-partite committee. The committee will include eminent Nigerians, members of Parliament, and members of the Executive Council, tasked with facilitating dialogue and negotiations to resolve the political impasse.

This move, according to Agbese, further demonstrates the House’s commitment to democracy, as it aims to mediate between conflicting parties and bring stability back to Rivers State.

Opposition Accused of Spreading Falsehoods

The Deputy Spokesman of the House accused opposition politicians and what he termed “fifth columnists” of deliberately spreading the bribery allegations to undermine the credibility of the House of Representatives.

He warned Nigerians against believing unfounded rumors and assured the public that lawmakers remained committed to national service, rather than personal gain.

“Some people are always looking for ways to discredit the House of Representatives. This is nothing new. But we will continue to do our job in the best interest of Nigeria,” Agbese said.

House of Representatives Maintains Legislative Integrity

Addressing concerns about quorum, Agbese confirmed that the House met all necessary requirements before passing the resolution on Rivers State. He stated that 243 members were in attendance during the decision-making process, ensuring that due process was followed.

He also reassured Nigerians that by the end of the state of emergency, both the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State House of Assembly would emerge stronger and more united.

Public Reactions and the Path Forward

Public reactions to the state of emergency in Rivers State have been mixed. While some Nigerians support the decision as a necessary step to restore peace, others remain skeptical about the move and its political implications.

Some critics argue that declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that federal intervention in state affairs could become a political tool. However, supporters insist that it was the best course of action given the crisis that had engulfed the state.

Legal experts have also weighed in, stating that while the state of emergency is constitutional, it should be carefully monitored to prevent abuse of power. Civil society organizations have urged the federal government to prioritize reconciliation and avoid unnecessary extensions of the emergency period.

As the situation in Rivers State unfolds, the House of Representatives has assured Nigerians that it will continue to act in the best interest of democracy, peace, and national unity. The next steps will depend on how quickly the political crisis is resolved and whether the warring factions can come to a peaceful agreement.

Ultimately, Agbese reiterated his call for unity, urging Nigerians to trust their elected representatives and support the government’s efforts to maintain stability in the country.

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