Abuja, Nigeria
The leadership of the House of Representatives has demanded that one of its members, Ibrahim Auyo, from Jigawa, provide evidence for his claim that lawmakers pay to present bills.
Auyo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a lawmaker representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa federal constituency in Jigawa, had informed his constituents that legislators are required to pay up to N3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
“Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass, either from Auyo, Hadejia, or Kafin Hausa. They are just pretending,” the lawmaker, who was criticised by his constituents for infrequently sponsoring bills and motions, said.
“And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it.
“And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”
Reacting to the development on Friday, the green chamber demanded evidence from the lawmaker.
Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson, in a statement, said the lawmaker will face the ethics panel if he does not prove his claim.
“The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, Member representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, who alleged that Members of the House receive payments to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions,” the statement reads.
“These allegations are unsubstantiated and, if left unclarified, risk undermining public confidence in the National Assembly.
“Statements of this nature must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.”
Rotimi stated that the National Assembly is a record-keeping institution with clear and transparent procedures for introducing bills, motions, and petitions, all guided by the Constitution, House Standing Orders, and parliamentary ethics.
“The insinuation that sponsoring a motion or bill is a ‘contract job’ involving bribes is inconsistent with these processes and must be clarified,” he said.
“When the House reconvenes, Rep. Auyo will be invited to substantiate his claims before the House.
“Should he be unable to provide evidence, the matter will be referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate consideration, in line with parliamentary procedure.”
He added that the House remains dedicated to promoting mutual respect among its members while preserving the dignity of the Parliament.
