Reps Got $5,000 As ‘Sallah Gesture,’ Not As A Bribe For Rivers State Emergency Rule Vote — Betara
Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has denied allegations that lawmakers received bribes to support the emergency rule declared in Rivers State, insisting that the $5,000 given to members of his committee was merely a “Sallah Gesture.”
Betara made this clarification in a conversation with investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar, who shared the details via his X (formerly Twitter) handle. According to Jaafar, Betara described the cash gifts as a longstanding tradition and dismissed claims that they were meant to sway legislative support for President Bola Tinubu’s political moves in Rivers.
“As we say in Hausa, not the thigh but the hind leg,” Betara reportedly said, emphasizing that the payments were purely a festive token and not inducements.
Despite Betara’s explanation, reports from Sahara Reporters suggest that financial inducements were distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Maitama, Abuja, to secure backing for the emergency rule. According to sources, senators allegedly received between $5,000 and $10,000 during closed-door meetings on March 18 and 19 at No. 22 Yedeseram Street. At least 87 senators reportedly benefited from the distribution.
Adding to the controversy, Labour Party senators Victor Umeh and Neda Imasuen were allegedly present at both cash distribution nights, despite their party’s public opposition to the emergency rule. However, both senators have denied collecting any money.
Reports also claim that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike provided over $3 million to Akpabio to ensure Senate approval of the emergency rule. The money was allegedly shared during an Iftar dinner, with varying amounts given to senators based on their influence and ranking.
Despite these alleged financial inducements, some key senators, including former governors Seriake Dickson and Aminu Tambuwal, reportedly avoided the meetings.
Insiders also claim that Senate deliberations on the emergency rule were deliberately delayed until 3 p.m. last Wednesday to reduce the number of opposing voices. Only about 60 senators were present—falling short of the 72 required for a valid vote on the emergency rule. In the House of Representatives, reports suggest that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was allegedly kept out of crucial discussions leading up to the approval.
President Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns and political instability, is now overshadowed by these bribery allegations. As scrutiny intensifies, many are questioning the legitimacy of the process and the extent of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering.
With the controversy still unfolding, calls for transparency and accountability in both the Senate and House of Representatives are growing louder, as Nigerians demand clarity on the true nature of the financial transactions linked to the emergency rule declaration.
