A Strong Rebuttal
The House of Representatives has vehemently denied allegations that its members were induced with $5,000 each to ratify President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State. Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), dismissed the claims as “false, malicious, and emanating from the pit of hell.” He emphasized that the decision to approve the emergency declaration was made out of patriotism and a commitment to restoring peace in Rivers State.
The Allegations and the House’s Response
The allegations, which have been circulating on social media and other platforms, suggested that lawmakers were bribed to support the state of emergency declaration. Agbese, in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, described the claims as baseless and politically motivated. “The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution is unfair to the Parliament. Very, very unfair to the Parliament,” he said.
Agbese explained that the House’s decision was based on extensive deliberations about the security and political situation in Rivers State. He stressed that the resolution was in line with the lawmakers’ constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability. “At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement in relation to the state of emergency declaration,” he stated.
The Wisdom of King Solomon
Agbese likened President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency to the wisdom of King Solomon, who famously resolved a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of a child. “What the President did was like what King Solomon did when the two women who were fighting over the propriety of a child came to him,” he said.
He noted that the warring factions in Rivers State—the state government and the state assembly—both have the interests of the state at heart but have been unable to resolve their differences. The state of emergency, Agbese argued, was necessary to create an environment for dialogue and reconciliation.
Key Adjustments to the Emergency Proclamation
Agbese revealed that the House made significant adjustments to the President’s emergency proclamation before ratifying it. These adjustments included:
- Legislative Oversight: The National Assembly will take over the legislative duties of the Rivers State Assembly during the emergency period.
- Flexible Duration: The state of emergency does not have to last the full six months if the parties resolve their differences earlier.
- Tripartite Committee: A committee comprising eminent Nigerians, members of the National Assembly, and members of the Executive Council will be established to mediate between the warring factions and facilitate an amicable resolution.
A Commitment to Democracy
Agbese reiterated the House’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions and ensuring the stability of Rivers State. He described President Tinubu as a true democrat who would not undermine democratic principles. “We know Mr. President very well. He is a democrat. He has fought for the institutions of our democracy as far as Nigeria is concerned,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that the state of emergency would ultimately lead to a stronger and more united Rivers State. “We resolved as a Parliament to make certain amendments to the proclamations made by Mr. President,” he added, emphasizing that the House acted in the best interest of the people.
Addressing the Quorum Controversy
Agbese also addressed concerns about the quorum during the vote on the state of emergency. He confirmed that 243 members were in attendance, satisfying the constitutional requirement for a quorum. “The House satisfied the requirement of quorum with 243 members in attendance during the exercise,” he said.
A Call for Public Support
Agbese urged Nigerians to disregard the allegations of inducement, attributing them to “fifth columnists” and opposition elements seeking to tarnish the image of the parliament. He called on citizens to continue supporting the House of Representatives, describing it as the “People’s House” committed to working in the public interest.
A Step Toward Peace and Stability
The House of Representatives’ approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State reflects its commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region. Despite the allegations of inducement, lawmakers have maintained that their decision was driven by patriotism and a desire to protect democratic institutions. As the state of emergency takes effect, the focus will now shift to resolving the underlying issues and fostering reconciliation among the warring factions.
