The House of Representatives has strongly denied allegations that lawmakers were bribed with $5,000 each to approve President Bola Tinubu’s request for a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC), dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that the decision was made in the interest of national stability.

“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,” Agbese stated. “All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell.”

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The lawmaker explained that the House thoroughly debated the security and political crisis in Rivers State before ratifying the emergency declaration.

According to him, the move was aimed at preventing further escalation of tensions in the state.

“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,” Agbese said.

“These people in Rivers love the state, but disagreements arose, and Mr. President, in his wisdom, decided to impose a state of emergency for a period of time so they can come together.”

Before approving the emergency declaration, the House made several adjustments, Agbese revealed. These include:

Assigning the National Assembly legislative authority over Rivers State during the emergency period.

Allowing for a flexible timeframe, meaning the emergency could end in as little as two weeks if peace is restored, rather than the initial six-month period.

Establishing a tripartite committee comprising lawmakers, government officials, and respected Nigerians to mediate between the conflicting parties.

Agbese rejected suggestions that lawmakers acted under external influence, stating that their primary concern was maintaining democratic stability.

“As a Parliament, our interest is to form a bridge, to ensure that our democracy continues to work. Our interest is to protect our democracy and democratic institutions,” he said.

He further emphasized President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, dismissing claims that the state of emergency was an attempt to weaken governance in Rivers State.

“We know Mr. President very well. He is a democrat. He has fought for the institutions of our democracy. He is one man who would always want to protect this democracy,” Agbese noted.

Addressing concerns over the legitimacy of the approval process, Agbese confirmed that the House met the required quorum, with 243 members in attendance.

He urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as misinformation spread by political opponents and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to acting in the best interest of the nation.

“We deployed our wisdom as a Parliament, not to pander to sentiments or views expressed by groups outside. We listen to the voices of Nigerians,” he said.

Agbese expressed confidence that the emergency measures will ultimately strengthen Rivers State’s political institutions, ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.

Tensions escalated in Osun State on Saturday as the communal conflict between the Ifon and Ilobu communities spread to Erin Osun, forcing more residents to flee their homes.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew to prevent further violence and restore order.

The unrest, which initially led to a 12-hour curfew, has displaced many residents, with several seeking refuge in Okinni.

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Eyewitnesses reported that some of those affected, particularly northerners, were seen leaving the troubled areas in buses.

In a statement addressing the crisis, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, emphasized Adeleke’s commitment to resolving the conflict and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

“We assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the state’s presidency on developments, and we are on top of the situation,” the statement read.

To contain the situation, a joint security task force has been deployed, and peace talks have been initiated between the warring communities.

The governor also warned against misinformation, accusing opposition groups of circulating outdated videos to spread fear and discredit the state government.

“While the ongoing conflict is regrettable, and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government. The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by members of the public,” Rasheed stated.

Authorities have urged residents to comply with the curfew and cooperate with security personnel to prevent further casualties. M

eanwhile, efforts to broker peace among the communities continue, as the state government seeks a lasting resolution to the crisis.

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials, describing it as damaging to Nigeria’s reputation.

Speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed concern over the removal of elected leaders, stating that such actions send the wrong message about Nigeria’s democracy.

“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light,” he remarked.

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He acknowledged that former presidents typically avoid making public statements on political matters to prevent further tensions.

However, he said he decided to speak out due to increasing calls from Nigerians urging him to address the situation in Rivers State.

Jonathan also pointed out that a country’s ability to attract investment is closely linked to the conduct of its government institutions.

He criticized the influence of certain individuals over the judiciary, saying it weakens public confidence in the legal system.