The House of Representatives has directed Ibrahim Auyo, a member from Jigawa State, to provide evidence to back his claim that lawmakers pay to move motions and bills.
Auyo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, had told his constituents that legislators pay up to ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions on the floor of the Green Chamber.
“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,” said the lawmaker, who faced criticism from constituents for infrequently sponsoring bills and motions.
“And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 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.”
In a statement issued on Friday, the House, through its spokesperson Akin Rotimi, warned that Auyo would face the ethics panel if he failed to substantiate 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 read.
“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 stressed that the National Assembly operates as an institution of records, with clear and transparent procedures for introducing bills, motions, and petitions, in line with 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 committed to fostering mutual respect among members while upholding the dignity of parliament.