Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, has strongly refuted claims that he accepted a $10,000 bribe to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.
The allegations, which also implicated 42 senators in receiving payments to support suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were dismissed by Umeh as baseless blackmail.
In a statement released on Friday, Umeh said, “I did not receive any money to support the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” emphasizing that he had no involvement in any such transaction.
He further explained that he was at an Iftar gathering held at the Senate Guest House, where he led Christian prayers.
“We prayed for peace in Nigeria and reconciliation in Rivers State. There was no talk of emergency rule,” he clarified, adding that the event focused solely on spiritual reflection and unity.
Dismissing the accusations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation, Umeh vowed to remain steadfast in his commitment to his constituents.
“I will not be distracted by false reports. My focus remains on serving my people with dignity and integrity,” he declared.
