Rivers Impasse: Umeh Debunks Dollar Allegations, Warns Sahara Reporters Over Serial Blackmail
Senator Victor Umeh, representing the Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian National Assembly, has responded strongly to the allegations made by Sahara Reporters, which claimed that he received financial inducements in the form of dollars to support the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In an official statement, Senator Umeh vehemently denied the accusations, describing them as part of a series of falsehoods propagated by the online media outlet. Umeh’s statement also included a stern warning to Sahara Reporters, urging the news outlet to desist from continuing its what he termed “serial blackmail” against him.
The allegations by Sahara Reporters suggested that Umeh, along with other Senators, had received payments of $10,000 each in exchange for supporting the controversial State of Emergency declaration. The publication claimed that the payments were made during a meeting that allegedly took place on Wednesday, where 42 Senators were purportedly involved in the arrangement. Umeh categorically rejected these claims, stating that he neither attended any such meeting nor received any form of financial compensation related to the approval of the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
“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,” Umeh declared, refuting the allegations point-blank. He went on to clarify his whereabouts on the evening of the alleged meeting, explaining that he had attended the traditional IFTAR gathering at the Senate Guest House, a social event hosted by Muslim colleagues to mark the breaking of their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Umeh elaborated on the details of the IFTAR event, emphasizing that the gathering was a peaceful and interfaith occasion aimed at fostering unity and understanding among members of the Senate. “I prayed for God to grant Peace to all parts of Nigeria and Reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State. I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another, for the good of our nation,” Umeh remarked. He further stated that the State of Emergency in Rivers State was not discussed during the IFTAR, and there was no mention of any financial transactions or political maneuvering.
The Senator also made it clear that several members of the Labour Party were present at the IFTAR, underlining the bipartisan nature of the gathering. He pointed out that the atmosphere was one of peace and mutual respect, contrasting sharply with the false narrative put forth by Sahara Reporters. By framing the event as a social and religious occasion, Umeh sought to distance himself from any involvement in the controversy surrounding the Rivers State emergency declaration.
In his statement, Umeh expressed his frustration over what he described as a pattern of defamatory reporting by Sahara Reporters, noting that this was the third instance in which the publication had published false information about him. “This is not the first time Sahara Reporters has published false information about me. It’s becoming a serial blackmail, and I’m warning them to stop,” Umeh declared. He emphasized that such baseless attacks would not detract him from his primary focus, which was to serve his constituents with dedication and integrity. “I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity,” Umeh stated, reaffirming his commitment to his role as a Senator.
In response to the allegations and Umeh’s statement, many observers have raised questions about the motives behind Sahara Reporters’ repeated publishing of these types of accusations. Some speculate that the outlet may be engaging in targeted smear campaigns to undermine the credibility of certain political figures, while others believe that there may be other hidden agendas behind the attacks. Regardless of the intentions, it is clear that Umeh is not willing to allow such reports to tarnish his reputation or disrupt his work in the Senate.
The allegations by Sahara Reporters come at a time when the Nigerian Senate is embroiled in a heated debate over the approval of the State of Emergency in Rivers State. The decision to declare a state of emergency was met with mixed reactions, as some lawmakers expressed support for the measure, arguing that it was necessary to restore order and stability to the state, which had been grappling with political unrest and violence. On the other hand, some opposition lawmakers voiced concerns that the move could be an overreach by the executive branch, with some accusing President Tinubu of using the state of emergency to stifle opposition voices and undermine democratic principles.
Reports from within the Senate suggest that opposition lawmakers were shut out of the decision-making process when the emergency rule was approved. This exclusion from the deliberations has fueled further criticism from those who argue that the emergency declaration is politically motivated. Despite these concerns, the decision to declare the state of emergency was ultimately approved by the Senate, with many Senators citing the need to restore order and bring an end to the escalating violence in Rivers State.
In the face of these contentious developments, Senator Umeh’s decision to publicly debunk the allegations against him and stand firm against the media attacks has positioned him as a resolute figure in the ongoing political saga. While the controversy surrounding the Rivers State emergency declaration continues to unfold, Umeh’s stance on the issue underscores his commitment to truth and transparency in the face of adversities.
For now, Umeh’s focus remains on his duties as a Senator, as he seeks to serve the interests of his constituents and the nation as a whole. His statement serves as a warning to those who seek to engage in smear campaigns and baseless accusations against public figures, and it highlights the importance of integrity and accountability in Nigerian politics.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the dynamics surrounding the Rivers State emergency rule and the role of the media in shaping public opinion remain critical points of discussion. The saga of Senator Umeh and Sahara Reporters is just one example of the ongoing tensions between political leaders, the media, and the public in a country where the truth is often obscured by misinformation and political maneuvering. The outcome of this particular episode will likely have wider implications for the future of Nigerian politics, the role of the media, and the struggle for transparency and accountability in the nation’s governance.
In conclusion, Senator Victor Umeh’s resolute denial of the allegations made by Sahara Reporters, coupled with his warning to the media outlet over its repeated attempts to defame him, has drawn attention to the broader issue of media ethics and accountability in Nigeria. As the political climate remains tense, the Senator’s call for peace and unity continues to resonate, as he seeks to uphold his reputation and honor in the face of unwarranted attacks. Whether or not the media outlet will heed Umeh’s warning remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Senator is determined to continue his work and rise above the noise of falsehoods.
