A new report has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio distributed money to lawmakers on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to gain their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s proposed state of emergency in Rivers State.

According to Sahara Reporters, the funds were allegedly handed out at Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja. Sources claim that 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators were given $5,000 each on Tuesday night.

Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party were reportedly among those who helped coordinate the payments.

“They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and participated in collecting the money. The venue was the Senate President’s guest house, where 42 senators received $10,000 each last Wednesday night, and 45 senators got $5,000 each on Tuesday night, March 18, to pass the controversial Rivers State emergency rule,” a source told Sahara Reporters.

It was also alleged that Akpabio deliberately delayed Wednesday’s debate on the emergency rule until 3 p.m., when many senators had already left the chamber.

One source further claimed that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike played a key role in funding the effort after meeting with Akpabio.

“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the State of Emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio. Akpabio then invited some senators to Iftar, after which he distributed dollars depending on their seniority,” the source alleged.