The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified that $5,000 given to committee members and other lawmakers had nothing to do with backing the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
According to a renowned Investigative journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, he said Betara described the cash as a traditional Sallah gesture, likening it to annual gifts delivered by Santa Claus.
This clarification follows rumors that lawmakers received $15,000 in bribes to support President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule proclamation in Rivers, citing political instability and oil pipeline vandalism.
Betara dismissed any connection, stating the funds were part of routine festive generosity.
Since Jaafar published the clarification last night, Betara is yet to dismiss or comment on his reported clarification.
