I did not receive dollars to support State of Emergency in Rivers – Senator Umeh

The lawmaker representing Anambra Senatorial District, Victor Umeh has denied the claim that he received $10,000 to support the approval of State of Emergency in Rivers State as proclaimed by President Bola Tinubu.

Umeh also stated that he was never in any meeting were funds were shared – either in naira or dollars – as an incentive to approve the president’s proclamation and suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 21, Umeh said he only attended the Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Senate Guest House with other lawmakers.

At the meeting, Umeh said he was asked to say the Christian prayer while his colleague, Adamu Aliero concluded the Iftar with a Muslim prayer.

“I did not receive any money to support the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made.

“I prayed for God to grant peace to all parts of Nigeria and reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State,” Umeh said.

Continuing, the lawmaker said there were no discussions surrounding the State of Emergency in Rivers or proclamation by the president at the Iftar with colleagues of the Nigerian Senate as suggested in a media report.

“I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another for the good of our nation. We did not discuss a state of emergency in Rivers State at the Iftar. There were other Labour Party senators at the Iftar.

“This is not the first time Sahara Reporters has published false information about me. It’s becoming serial blackmail, and I’m warning them to stop. I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity,” Umeh stated.