Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted claims that he disbursed $15,000 to senators to influence their approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The allegation, which gained traction on social media, suggested that Akpabio facilitated the distribution of dollars in his Maitama residence during an iftar (breaking of fast) with senators.
Reports claimed that $5,000 was handed out on Tuesday, followed by another $10,000 on Wednesday, ahead of the vote on the proclamation.
However, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio dismissed the claims as part of a smear campaign against him.
“I am aware that since Senator Godswill Akpabio became Senate President, he has been hosting breaking of fast events. He did it last year, and he did it this year. So why is it now being linked to money?” Eyiboh questioned.
He further challenged the rationale behind the allegations, stating, “Why would Akpabio be giving out dollars to his colleagues? People are fabricating these stories to add flavor to their malice and hate campaign.”
The Senate and the House of Representatives had, on Thursday, unanimously approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote.