$5,000 ‘Sallah Gesture’ or Political Bribe? Lawmaker Denies Allegations amid Rivers Crisis

As Nigeria grapples with the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State, fresh controversy has emerged over $5,000 payments made to lawmakers, raising questions about the true intent behind the funds. Were they a routine goodwill gesture, as claimed, or a covert attempt to sway legislative support for a state of emergency in Rivers State?  

At the center of the storm is Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has categorically denied allegations that the payments were bribes meant to secure lawmakers’ backing for emergency rule.  

In an exclusive conversation with investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar, Betara explained that the money was a “Sallah Gesture”, part of a long-standing tradition rather than a political inducement.  

Jaafar, recounting his discussion with Betara on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), wrote:  

“The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture,’ not an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State. According to him, he maintains the tradition—like Santa Claus—every year. As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg.”

Betara’s defense comes as speculation mounts over whether President Bola Tinubu’s administration is orchestrating a state of emergency in Rivers State to assert control amid the worsening political turmoil.  
Prior reports suggested that substantial sums were distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house in Maitama, Abuja, allegedly to persuade lawmakers to back the emergency rule declaration.  

While Betara has strongly dismissed these claims, the timing and secrecy surrounding the payments have fueled suspicions. Some lawmakers within the National Assembly have also pushed back against the allegations, insisting the funds had nothing to do with Rivers State’s crisis.  

Despite Betara’s denial, the controversy has sparked public debate, with many Nigerians questioning the ethics of lawmakers receiving cash payments in a country struggling with economic hardships.  

Is this truly a harmless tradition, or just another example of political patronage disguised as generosity?  

As tensions continue to rise in Rivers State, one thing remains clear, the battle for truth and political integrity is far from over.