No lawmaker was bribed to approve Rivers emergency rule – Lawmaker

A member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Galambi, has refuted claims that lawmakers were bribed to approve the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, Galambi, who represents Gwaram Federal Constituency under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), dismissed allegations of inducement, emphasizing that the decision was made in the interest of democracy.

He expressed concern over misleading reports suggesting that members of the National Assembly were coerced or financially influenced to support the resolution.

“I was surprised by the false narratives being spread, claiming we were bribed or pressured into passing the resolution supporting Mr. President’s action in Rivers State,” Galambi stated.

According to him, the majority of lawmakers backed the move as a necessary step to protect democracy, particularly in light of the political turmoil facing Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He argued that the intervention was crucial to prevent the governor’s impeachment amid tensions with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Nigerians should appreciate the role of the National Assembly in urging the President to establish a reconciliation team of eminent Nigerians before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule,” he added.

Addressing criticisms from opposition parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, Galambi maintained that the National Assembly approached the matter with patriotism, prioritizing political stability and democratic governance in Rivers State.