Rivers Emergency Rule: Senator Umeh Denies Allegations Of Receiving $10,000 From Akpabio
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and representative of Anambra Central under the Labour Party (LP), Senator Victor Umeh has strongly denied allegations that he collected $10,000 to support the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Umeh described the claims as baseless blackmail aimed at tarnishing his reputation and creating disaffection between him and his constituents.
He emphasised that he was not among the 42 senators alleged to have received the said sum before the state of emergency resolution was passed.
“I did not receive any money to support the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” Umeh stated.
The senator clarified that on the evening in question, he attended the traditional Iftar (breaking of fast) gathering at the Senate Guest House with fellow senators and Muslim colleagues. According to him, the occasion was solely for prayers and fellowship, not for political negotiations or monetary inducements.
“I prayed for God to grant peace to all parts of Nigeria and for reconciliation among the warring parties in Rivers State,” Umeh explained.
“We did not discuss the state of emergency in Rivers State at the Iftar. There were other Labour Party senators present at the event.”
He further expressed concern over the spread of unfounded accusations, which he said were part of a calculated attempt to impugn his integrity.
Umeh assured his supporters that he remains focused on providing quality representation despite efforts by detractors to distract him.
“This story is nothing but blackmail. It is a false narrative aimed at creating disaffection between me and my people. However, I will not be distracted by these false reports. I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity,” he affirmed.
Reports had earlier alleged that some senators collected $10,000 as a bribe to support President Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Senator Umeh maintained that he has never compromised his principles and warned those behind the falsehood to desist from spreading misinformation.
He added that his loyalty remains with the people he represents and not with those attempting to sow seeds of discord.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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