Senator Umeh Dismisses Sahara Report’s Dollar Allegations as Cheap Blackmail Designed to Tarnish his Reputation

By Praise Chinecherem

Member representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh has dismissed allegations made by Sahara Reporters that he received dollars to support State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State.

Umeh, in a statement warned Sahara Reporters to cease their serial blackmail against him, stating that this was the third time the outfit had published false information about him.

He described the story as blackmail which did not represent the truth.

While insisting that he did not receive any money to support the approval of the State of Emergency in Rivers State, the lawmaker said he was not present at the alleged meeting on Wednesday where $10,000 was allegedly made to 42 Senators, let alone being one of the key figures that organized the event.

He said, “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.

“On the evening of Tuesday, I attended the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fasting) gathering at the Senate Guest House with our Muslim brothers and Sister, where I was asked to say the Christian Prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero has said the Muslim Prayers at the Conclusion of the IFTAR.

” 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. We did not discuss State of Emergency in Rivers State at the IFTAR.

“There were other Labour Party Senators at the IFTAR.”

While noting that the aim of the detractors was to create disaffection between him and the people and impugn his reputation, Umeh assured his constituents that such reports would not distract him from providing good representation.

“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.

“I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity,” Umeh declared.

Our Correspondent learnt that opposition lawmakers were shut out when the Senate approved the Rivers State Emergency Rule on Thursday.

Earlier, it was gathered that some Lawmakers had argued that the President’s decision was necessary to restore order in the state, while others claimed it was an attempt to undermine democracy.