Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports that senators were bribed to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

On Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, citing prolonged political turmoil and vandalism of oil facilities. He then appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

Following the National Assembly’s controversial approval of the emergency rule on Thursday, reports emerged alleging that 45 senators received $5,000 each on Tuesday night, while another 42 were given $10,000 each on Wednesday night.

However, Akpabio, through his spokesperson Eseme Eyiboh, denied the bribery claims, calling them an attempt to blackmail lawmakers.

“It is true that I confirmed the Iftar meeting and further asserted that the Distinguished Senate President has always hosted his colleagues of both religious faiths in every season of spiritual rebirth,” the statement read.

“There has never existed any reason to share any money in such a solemn meeting, and no money in any currency was shared.”

He described the allegations as a smear campaign, accusing detractors of spreading falsehoods to undermine the Senate’s credibility.