The National Assembly has been enmeshed in fresh controversy over the bribery for bills allegation made by Rep. Ibrahim Auyo.
Naijaonpoint reports that Auyo, who represents Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, recently alleged that House members paid between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to have their bills presented at the Green Chamber.
Speaking in Hausa, Auyo was reported to have said, “Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for.
“You have to pay from ₦3m, ₦2m, or ₦1m 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.”
However, the leadership of the House, in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi, dismissed the allegations, insisting Auyo must substantiate his claims when the House resumes plenary.
Tajudeen Abbas-led House also challenged the lawmaker to provide evidence of his claim or face the prospect of a referral to the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics.
The statement reads, “The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Ibrahim Usman Auyo, member representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, alleged that members of the House receive payments to sponsor motions, bills, and petitions.
“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.
“As the 10th Assembly recently crossed its midterm mark, stakeholders nationwide are rightly demanding accountability from their elected representatives, a legitimate and essential expectation in any thriving democracy. The House remains focused on delivering its mandate under the Legislative Agenda (2023–2027), which emphasises transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the people.
“The leadership of the House has consistently encouraged members to engage with their constituencies during recesses and report on their stewardship. This commitment is reflected in frequent town halls and public hearings, including a series of midterm engagements held in June and July, presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
“The National Assembly is an institution of records, with well-established and transparent procedures for introducing bills, motions, and petitions, governed 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.
“When the House reconvenes, 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.”
I Have Never Paid Money For My Bills And Motions
Reacting to the bribery allegation, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, in an interview with Punch, dismissed Auyo’s remark, emphasising that he has never paid money for his bills or motions to be taken despite spending 14 years in the House.
Chinda questioned why a lawmaker would pay money for his bills or motions to be heard, adding that the House was looking forward to hearing from Auyo when they resume plenary.
He said, “I have been in the House for 14 years, and I have never paid money for my bills and motions to be taken. I am taken aback by the claim by the honourable member. Perhaps, he will share his experience with the House.
“I wonder why a member will pay money for his bills or motion to be heard. Who was the money paid to?”
Similarly, the Leader of the North West Caucus in the House and member representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Sada Soli, said the Green Chamber should handle the issue.
He said, “I don’t think I should join in this discussion. The House is dealing with the matter appropriately.”
Also, his counterpart from Niger State, Joshua Gana, outrightly dismissed the bribery allegation, saying, “Never. Moving motions and sponsoring bills are the primary reasons for being a legislator, and I have never heard or seen anything like that in my life. We talk to our constituents daily, and when what needs to be heard nationally, we take it up immediately. “
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