Senator Victor Umeh, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and representative of Anambra Central under the Labour Party (LP), has refuted claims that he received a $10,000 bribe to support the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement addressing the allegations, Umeh dismissed the reports as baseless blackmail, emphasizing that he was not among the 42 senators allegedly given $10,000 a day before the emergency rule 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.
Providing further details, Umeh disclosed that on Tuesday evening, he attended the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fast) gathering at the Senate Guest House, where he led Christian prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero conducted the Muslim prayers.
“I prayed for peace in all parts of Nigeria and reconciliation among the warring parties in Rivers State. I prayed for love and unity among Nigerians for the good of our nation,” he explained.
He stressed that the state of emergency in Rivers State was not discussed at the IFTAR gathering, where other Labour Party senators were also present.
Describing the accusations as attempts to tarnish his image, Umeh assured his constituents that he remains committed to serving with dignity and integrity.
“This report is an attempt to create disaffection between me and my people. I will not be distracted by false claims. I will continue to serve my constituents with dedication and honor,” he vowed.
Reports had surfaced alleging that senators received $10,000 bribes to approve President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
There were also claims that Umeh was involved in disbursing the funds at a private lodge of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Abuja.
However, Senator Umeh has strongly denied these claims, insisting that he had no involvement in any bribery scheme related to the state of emergency rule.
