Nigerian lawmakers reportedly accepted bribes of up to $25,000 amid efforts to support President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation for Rivers State. The administration faced an attendance crisis in Parliament, with just 113 members present, and allegations emerged regarding pressure from governors. The proclamation has drawn significant criticism for its perceived unconstitutionality and has raised concerns about the integrity of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Recent revelations indicate that Nigerian lawmakers received substantial bribes, significantly impacting President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers State. Officials from the administration scrambled to prevent a potential legislative defeat by offering up to $25,000 to secure support for the invocation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which would allow the dismantling of local democratic institutions.
The pressure on lawmakers was considerable, with messages discouraging attendance coming from their governors, particularly affecting those representing Borno State. During a subsequent House plenary session, attendance was critically low, with just 113 of 360 members present, failing to meet the quorum threshold necessary for decision-making.
To avert embarrassment, discussions of cash incentives ensued among allies of the president, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Interviews conducted with lawmakers revealed that 11 members admitted to receiving bribe offers, with seven having accepted payments of $25,000 and four others receiving $15,000. Meanwhile, two lawmakers mentioned they were approached but declined the offers, and only one member from the opposition confirmed not receiving any approach.
The bribery strategies appeared to be enacted swiftly, with lawmakers reporting these offers began around 6:15 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday, just before a critical vote intended for Thursday afternoon. The urgency was accentuated by growing political tensions stemming from conflicts between elected officials in Rivers State.
President Tinubu cited escalating political strife as the reason for this unprecedented measure, subsequently appointing a retired naval chief to govern Rivers State for six months. The proclamation has faced intense backlash from legal experts and citizens alike, who argue it undermines constitutional values and jeopardizes national integrity. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the constitutional requirement of a supermajority for the proclamation to be valid, necessitating significant legislative backing that remains unfulfilled as of now.
The situation in Rivers State underscores significant political strife, with allegations of bribery among lawmakers serving to reinforce concerns regarding democratic integrity in Nigeria. President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation remains contentious, facing legal challenges and public dissent. As the administration endeavors to secure legislative support, it must navigate the complexities of constitutional law and public perception, highlighting the critical nature of ethical governance in a democratic society.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
