Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central under the Labour Party (LP), has firmly denied allegations that he accepted a $10,000 bribe to support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing the accusations, Umeh dismissed the reports as baseless and a deliberate attempt at blackmail.
He stressed that he was not among the 42 senators purportedly offered $10,000 the day before the emergency rule was approved.
“I did not receive any money in exchange for supporting the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not present at any meeting where such transactions allegedly took place,” Umeh stated categorically.
Providing further clarification, the senator, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), recounted that on Tuesday evening, he was at the Senate Guest House attending the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fast) gathering.
During the event, he led Christian prayers following Muslim prayers conducted by Senator Adamu Aliero.
“I prayed for peace across Nigeria and for reconciliation among the conflicting parties in Rivers State. My prayers also emphasized love and unity among Nigerians for the progress of our nation,” he added.
Umeh said that discussions on the state of emergency in Rivers State did not take place at the IFTAR gathering, where other Labour Party senators were also in attendance.
Describing the allegations as a calculated move to tarnish his reputation, Umeh reassured his constituents that he remained dedicated to serving with integrity and honor.
“These false claims are an attempt to create unnecessary disaffection between me and my people. I will not be distracted by baseless allegations. My focus remains on serving my constituents with unwavering commitment,” he affirmed.
Reports had surfaced alleging that senators received $10,000 each to approve President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Additionally, there were claims that Umeh played a role in disbursing the funds at a private lodge belonging to Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Abuja.
