Lawmaker confirms N7.6m payment to Reps, says it was Sallah bonus, not bribe for Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers

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 claims that the payment was a bribe to influence support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis.

On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the south-south state, citing the prolonged political crisis and vandalisation of oil installations.

The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months.

Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers.

On Thursday, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule.

A report had alleged that 45 senators were offered $5,000 each on Tuesday night, while another 42 received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, ahead of the national assembly’s approval of the emergency rule.

However, investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar disclosed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Betara, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reached out to clarify that the $5,000 given to lawmakers was merely a “Sallah Gesture” and not an inducement.

According to the journalist, Betara said it was part of a long-standing tradition and had nothing to do with the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

“The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture’ not an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State.

“According to him, he maintains the tradition – like Santa Claus – every year. As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg,” Jaafar posted.

Earlier, Yusuf Galambi, the lawmaker representing Gwaram Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, also dismissed allegations that members of the National Assembly received bribes to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the decision, Galambi insisted that lawmakers were neither induced nor coerced but acted in the best interest of democracy and the people of Rivers State.

“I was surprised by the false claims circulating in the media that we were bribed or pressured into supporting the president’s action. The majority of our members endorsed the decision to protect democracy and even to safeguard Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is facing political challenges that could lead to his impeachment,” he stated.

He emphasized that the National Assembly’s decision was driven by patriotism, political stability, and the need to uphold democratic institutions.

Galambi also urged Nigerians to appreciate the legislature’s role in advising the president to form a reconciliation team to address the crisis before the emergency rule expires.

“Contrary to the emotional reactions from opposition groups and civil society organizations, we considered this matter from a patriotic and peace-driven perspective, aiming to safeguard democracy and all stakeholders involved,” he added.