A lawmaker, Yusuf Galambi, (NNPP – Jigawa) has debunked allegations that the National Assembly members received bribes to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Mr Galambi, who represents Gwaram Federal Constituency, said this in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna.

The lawmaker’s clarification came amidst controversy surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, with some groups accusing the national assembly of being compromised in its decision making process.

Mr Galambi claimed that there was no truth to claims that lawmakers were induced or coerced into endorsing the President’s action.

According to him, the majority of members supported the decision due to their commitment to saving democracy and protecting the interests of people of the state.

The lawmaker explained that the National Assembly’s decision was guided by a desire to ensure patriotism, political cohesion, peace and protection of democratic institutions.

Mr  Galambi said, “I was surprised with posts, especially about lies and mischief perpetuated against us, that we collected some inducement or rather being coerced to pass the resolution, supporting Mr President’s action in Rivers. The majority of our members supported the good efforts of Mr President to save democracy.” 

The politician added, “The decision was taken to save Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is facing a lot of political challenges and manoeuvring by a group of members of the Rivers House of Assembly, which may lead to his impeachment. Nigerians should appreciate the role of the National Assembly for asking the President to form a reconciliation team of eminent Nigerians before expiration of the six months emergency rule. 

“Contrary to the emotional perspective of opposition, civil society groups and others; in the national assembly, we look at issues from the perspective of patriotism, political cohesion, peace, to save democratic components including people, governor and members of the Rivers State Assembly.”

However, Peoples Gazette confirmed and exclusively reported that lawmakers at the National Assembly came into a payola windfall overnight as administration officials raced to stave off a humiliating defeat of Mr Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers. 

Eleven lawmakers, comprising seven senators and four representatives, confirmed separately to The Gazette that they were offered up to $25,000 to support Mr Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to dismantle democratic institutions in Rivers, including firing elected Governor Simi Fubara and all state legislators, and impose government by military ordinance statewide. 

Mr Galambi noted that democracy must be protected, advising Nigerians to give peace a chance by allowing Mr Tinubu to finetune best ways of resolving the crises through dialogue and unity.

(NAN)