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State of Emergency: House of Representatives Debunks $5,000 Inducement Allegation

Published

4 days ago

Mar 22, 2025.

The House of Representatives remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people.
Hon. Agbese clarified that the House had met the quorum requirement during the exercise, with 243 members in attendance, exceeding the minimum requirement of 218 members.
Agbese further clarified that the House’s decision to approve the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State was driven by a sense of patriotism and a genuine concern for the well-being of the people of Rivers State, rather than any monetary incentive.

The House of Representatives has categorically denied claims that its members received a $5,000 inducement to ratify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for a State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

Eko Hot Blog reports that, Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), described the allegations as “false, malicious, and emanating from the pit of hell” during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

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Agbese clarified that Thursday’s resolution by the House on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers was made out of patriotism and with the intention of restoring lasting peace to the state.

The decision to support the declaration was reached through a voice vote after a debate among lawmakers.

“At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement about the state of emergency declaration. The decision was taken after extensive deliberations on the security and political situation in Rivers State, in line with our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability,” he said.

“Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction, designed to serve the interests of those who seek to distort facts and create unnecessary tension in the country.

The House of Representatives remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people.

“Our duty is to make decisions that align with the national interest, not to succumb to baseless distractions aimed at eroding public trust. The allegations of bribery are a desperate attempt to discredit the House and must be dismissed as the political comedy that it is”.

Agbese drew parallels with King Solomon’s wisdom, citing the biblical story of the two women disputing a child’s parentage (1 Kings 3:16-28).

“What the President did was like what King Solomon did when the two women who were fighting over the propriety of a child came to him. These people in Rivers are all interested in the progress and development of Rivers State,” he added.

State of Emergency: Reps Debunks $5,000 Inducement Allegation

“They love the state, and they are working hard for it. But one way or the other, disagreement arose between the parties which escalated, and Mr. President, in his wisdom, decided to impose a state of emergency, for some time to allow the two parties to come together, to further deepen our democracy.”

Agbese further clarified that the House’s decision to approve the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State was driven by a sense of patriotism and a genuine concern for the well-being of the people of Rivers State, rather than any monetary incentive.

Furthermore, Agbese highlighted that the Parliament made some crucial adjustments to the President’s emergency proclamation before giving its ratification.

“One is that the Parliament remains the law-making body as far as the country is concerned. We resolved that the National Assembly would take over the legislative duties of the Rivers Assembly within the period that the state of emergency is enforced,” he stated.

“Secondly, we resolved as a Parliament that it must not necessarily be for six months for the parties to come together and resolve. Even if it is within two weeks, that these parties can resolve their differences and show that they are on the same page, Mr. President, in his wisdom, should also reduce 180 days.”

Hon. Agbese said he believes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a true democrat, will not work against democratic institutions in the country.

“We know Mr. President very well. He is a Democrat. He has fought for the institution of our democracy as far as Nigeria is concerned. And he is one man who would always want to protect this democracy.

“We have been relating with him as the President of the country for the past almost two years now. We have been relating with him as our President. We have seen his concerns.

“The 10th House of Representatives has seen the genuine concerns and we believe and trust that if these issues are resolved in less than six months, Mr. President is going to put an end to the state of emergency in that state.”

Agbese highlighted the House’s resolution to form a tripartite committee, comprising eminent Nigerians, parliament members, and Executive Council members, to facilitate a peaceful resolution among the conflicting parties in Rivers State.

This committee’s objective is to ensure that all stakeholders are brought together to reach an amicable solution.

Addressing the allegations of inducements, Agbese attributed these claims to “fifth columnists” and opposition members who seek to damage the parliament’s reputation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the House, assuring that their primary focus remains the interests of the people.