A member of the House of Representatives, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has confirmed that federal lawmakers received N7.6 million each as a “Sallah gesture,” but denied allegations that the payment was a bribe to secure their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the South-South state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state assembly members for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator. The National Assembly quickly approved the move amid reports that some lawmakers received financial inducements.
Investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar revealed that Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), personally reached out to clarify that the $5,000 given to lawmakers was merely a traditional “Sallah gift” and not an attempt to influence their stance on the Rivers crisis.
“Betara told me he shares this gift with committee members every year, just like Santa Claus. It has nothing to do with Rivers,” Jaafar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Similarly, Yusuf Galambi, a lawmaker from Jigawa State, also refuted bribery allegations, insisting that the National Assembly acted solely to protect democracy and ensure political stability in Rivers.
“The claims of bribery are false. We supported the president’s decision in the best interest of democracy and even to protect Governor Fubara, who faced imminent impeachment,” Galambi stated.
He further urged Nigerians to recognize the legislature’s role in advising the president to form a reconciliation team before the emergency rule expires, emphasizing that the decision was made with patriotism and peace in mind.
