Reps Demand Evidence as Lawmaker Alleges Bribes for Bills, Motions

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The House of Representatives says it will summon Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo (APC, Jigawa) to defend his viral claim that lawmakers receive payments to sponsor motions, bills, and petitions or face possible disciplinary action.

House spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., satated this in a statement on Friday following remarks, made in a video circulating on social media, saying they 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,” he says.

Rotimi explaines that “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 notes that “the insinuation that sponsoring a Motion or Bill is a ‘contract job’ involving bribes is inconsistent with these processes and must be clarified,” adding that the National Assembly is “an institution of records, with well-established and transparent procedures” for introducing bills, motions, and petitions.

The statement also highlightes that the 10th Assembly recently crossed its midterm mark and “remains focused on delivering its mandate under the Legislative Agenda (2023–2027), which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the people.”

According to Rotimi, “in just two years, the People’s House has introduced 2,263 Bills, passed 237, and moved over 1,100 Motions,” triggering interventions in education, health, infrastructure, security, and economic development.

He says members are “encouraged to engage with their constituencies during recesses and report on their stewardship,” pointing to recent midterm town halls and public hearings presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

“The House remains committed to fostering mutual respect among Members while upholding the dignity of Parliament. All Honourable Members are encouraged to engage constructively, address concerns through due process, and work together in the collective interest of the Nigerian people,” Rotimi states.