Nigerian lawmakers allegedly accepted $25,000 bribes to support President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers State, amid concerns regarding low attendance and potential constitutional overreach. There is opposition from both legislators and the public regarding this move, which has significant implications for governance in Nigeria.
Recent reports indicate that Nigerian lawmakers have reportedly accepted bribes amounting to $25,000 as government officials endeavor to avert a significant setback for President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers State. The bribes were aimed at urging lawmakers to support the invocation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which may lead to the dismantlement of existing democratic frameworks in the state, impacting elected officials such as Governor Simi Fubara.
A lawmaker disclosed to The Gazette that there is considerable reluctance among members to attend parliamentary sessions, particularly among those from Borno, who received directives from their governors to abstain from supporting the emergency measures in Rivers. The attendance was significantly low, with only 113 of the 360 members present at a crucial executive session, failing to meet the minimum quorum requirement.
In light of the inadequate attendance, discussions of cash bribes began among loyalists of the president, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Out of 14 interviewed lawmakers, 11 confirmed receiving bribes, with seven reporting payments of $25,000 and four receiving $15,000 in the period preceding the vote. Notably, Senator Seriake Dickson from the opposition denied receiving any offers.
The bribes were reportedly distributed at various locations in Abuja, as the urgency to secure votes increased throughout Wednesday night. President Tinubu had declared the emergency following rising tensions between Mr. Fubara and lawmakers associated with Nyesom Wike, culminating in the appointment of Ibok-Etuk Ekwe Ibas as interim administrator for the state.
The pronouncement of the emergency has faced backlash from the public and legal experts, who assert it undermines constitutionalism and poses risks to national unity. The president has a limited time frame to obtain parliamentary approval for the proclamation, with a requirement of 240 House members and 73 senators needed for ratification, a considerably high bar given recent attendance levels.
In summary, the allegations of bribery among Nigerian lawmakers reveal significant political maneuvers as President Tinubu seeks to implement emergency rule in Rivers State. The low legislative attendance raises concerns regarding governance and accountability, highlighting the challenges faced by the current administration in sustaining democratic processes. Public and legal opposition to the declaration further emphasizes the complex political landscape in Nigeria.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
