Reps demand evidence from member, may discipline Jigawa lawmaker over claim
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to urgently refer the allegation that lawmakers pay up to N3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.

It also urged Akpabio and Abbas to name anyone who might be involved in the alleged bribery, as well as ensure the recovery of the proceeds of bribery.

The group, however, also urged Akpabio and Abbas to ensure the protection of the whistleblower, Ibrahim Auto, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Jigawa), who made the allegation.

Auro had recently alleged in a viral video recorded in Hausa that members of the National Assembly pay between N1 million and N3 million each to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.

SERAP, therefore, in an open letter signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, at the weekend, said that the allegation was a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.

The group, which expressed concerns over the persistent allegations of corruption in the National Assembly and the prevailing culture of impunity of perpetrators, said that ensuring the investigation of allegation that lawmakers pay between N1 million and N3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions and prosecution of suspected perpetrators would improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly, and build trust in democratic institutions.

It noted: “Section 15 (5) of Nigeria’s Constitution requires public institutions, including the National Assembly, to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.

“Nigeria has also made legally binding commitments under the United Nations (UN) Convention against Corruption to prevent and combat corruption, including bribery. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has asked Auyo to provide evidence of his claim that lawmakers pay to move motions and bills.

In a statement over the weekend, the House, through its Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said the lawmaker would face the ethics panel if he did not prove his claim.

The statement read in part: “The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Ibrahim Usman Auyo, a member representing Hadejia, had 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.”