Nigerian lawmakers reportedly accepted bribes to support President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers State. With low attendance in Parliament jeopardizing the measure, Tinubu’s allies offered cash incentives to secure votes. The situation has sparked widespread criticism and raised significant constitutional concerns regarding the authority to dissolve elected governments.
Nigerian lawmakers are reportedly involved in a major bribery scandal centered on $25,000 offers from associates of President Bola Tinubu. This has emerged as Tinubu’s supporters work urgently to achieve a quorum for an emergency proclamation regarding Rivers State, which involves dismantling democratic institutions and removing Governor Simi Fubara. Numerous legislators are hesitant to attend due to pressures from state governors opposing the emergency measures.
During a recent House plenary session, attendance was critically low, with only 113 out of 360 members present, failing to meet the required quorum of 120. In response, Tinubu’s allies, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, began discussing the disbursement of cash bribes to secure necessary votes. Out of 14 interviewed lawmakers, 11 confirmed receiving bribe offers, with seven having accepted tailored amounts of $25,000 and four received lesser sums.
Lawmakers reported that the offers were made at various locations in Abuja, indicating a coordinated effort to ensure legislative support. Tinubu’s emergency proclamation was announced as a reaction to growing tensions between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. The backlash against the proclamation has been significant, with many condemning it as unconstitutional.
The situation requires parliamentary backing within 48 hours for the proclamation to remain valid; however, on a critical voting day, only 80 lawmakers showed up. The Nigerian Constitution mandates that two-thirds of members are needed for ratification, creating a challenging scenario for the administration as unrest continues to grow.
Additionally, despite ongoing controversies, reports show various regional political commitments, health concerns like antimicrobial resistance, and violent incidents that highlight pressing issues across Nigeria.
In the context of these developments, reactions from legal scholars and citizens underscore a widespread concern for national unity and the democratic process.
The bribery allegations involving Nigerian lawmakers underline the urgent efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to enforce an emergency rule in Rivers State. With significant dissent from lawmakers and a constitutional crisis at play, the administration faces crucial challenges in securing legislative support. The unfolding situation not only raises concerns about governance but also reflects broader political instability in Nigeria.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
