The House of Representatives has directed Ibrahim Auyo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Jigawa State, to substantiate his allegation that members pay to present motions and bills in the chamber.
Auyo, who represents the Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, had told constituents that legislators spend as much as ₦3 million to introduce bills, motions, and petitions on the House floor.
“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 had 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, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House of Representative, said the lawmaker will face the ethics panel if evidence of his claim is not provided.
“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,” Rotimi said in a statement.
“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.”
“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.”
