By Springnewsng Media Limited | March 21, 2025

A high-stakes political maneuver unfolded in Abuja as Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, became the epicenter of a massive dollar payout aimed at securing legislative backing for President Bola Tinubu’s controversial state of emergency in Rivers State.

Multiple sources have confirmed to SpringsNewsNG that senators were discreetly handed thousands of dollars over two nights to influence their votes. On Tuesday night, 45 senators received $5,000 each, while on Wednesday night, 42 senators were given $10,000 each. The financial inducements reportedly played a crucial role in ensuring swift approval of the emergency declaration, which resulted in the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Cash-for-Votes: The Inside Story

According to insiders, the covert operation was orchestrated by Senate President Akpabio, allegedly with financial backing from Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. Sources claim that over $3 million was funneled into the scheme, with Wike personally ensuring that lawmakers were incentivized to support the emergency declaration.

Senators Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party were reportedly among those involved in organizing the payout. “They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events and participated in collecting the money,” one source disclosed.

“The venue was the Senate President’s guest house at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, where 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night and 45 senators got $5,000 on Tuesday night, March 18, to back the controversial Rivers State emergency rule,” the source added.

Delayed Debate, Strategic Absences

On Wednesday, the Senate was expected to deliberate on Tinubu’s letter formally requesting National Assembly approval for the emergency rule. However, Senate President Akpabio strategically delayed the discussion until 3 p.m., reportedly to ensure that many senators had left the chamber.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate, with Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) seconding the motion.

Meanwhile, a select group of senators was invited to an Iftar dinner at Akpabio’s residence, where final payouts were allegedly distributed. Notably, some former governors-turned-senators, including Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), reportedly refused to attend.

House of Representatives in Turmoil

While the Senate’s approval seemed well-orchestrated, the House of Representatives was thrown into chaos over the emergency rule. Speaker Tajudeen Abass was reportedly left out of key negotiations, leading to confusion among lawmakers. The House, which requires at least 240 votes for approval, eventually held a voice vote that overwhelmingly backed the declaration.

A national committee was also proposed to mediate the crisis in Rivers State, while the National Assembly took over legislative functions of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly.

Tinubu’s Justification for Emergency Rule

President Tinubu cited growing political instability and security threats, including recent pipeline vandalism, as justification for imposing emergency rule in Rivers State. Alongside suspending the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for the next six months.

Under the Nigerian Constitution, a state of emergency must be approved by both chambers of the National Assembly. With the Senate and House of Representatives now aligned, the federal government has officially taken over governance in Rivers State.

A Controversial Precedent

This development sets a controversial precedent, as accusations of financial inducement and political interference overshadow what is being framed as a security measure. While Tinubu’s government insists the move is necessary to stabilize the state, critics argue that it represents an erosion of democracy and an attempt to consolidate power.

As the fallout continues, Nigerians are left to question whether