The House of Representatives has said it will invite Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo (APC, Jigawa) to substantiate his allegation that lawmakers pay between N1 million and N3 million before being allowed to present motions, bills, or petitions during plenary.

Auyo, who represents Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, in a viral video, claimed that the process of getting items listed for consideration in the House is financially driven, contrary to the public perception that debates are guided solely by merit.

He alleged that lawmakers pay between N1 million and N3 million before being allowed to present motions, bills, or petitions during plenary.

His allegation has caused public outrage and raised fresh concerns over the integrity of the National Assembly’s legislative process.

But in a statement on Thursday, spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi, described the allegation as unsubstantiated and capable of undermining public confidence in parliament.

He maintained that introducing a motion or bill is guided by the Constitution, House Standing Orders, and parliamentary ethics, dismissing the insinuation that the process is a “contract job” involving bribes.

“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 said.

Rotimi observed that the allegations are unsubstantiated and, if left unclarified, risk undermining public confidence in the National Assembly.

According to him, statements of this nature must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.

He added: “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 emphasizes 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, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

“In just two years, the People’s House has introduced 2,263 Bills, passed 237, and moved over 1,100 Motions, generating significant interventions across critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, security, and economic development. These efforts have triggered substantive executive action and positively impacted the lives of constituents nationwide.

“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.

“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.”