Lawmaker in Jigawa Faced with Call to Verify Claims of ₦3 Million from Motion and Bill Fees
Nigeria's House of Representatives Calls for Evidence Over Alleged Bribery Claims
The House of Representatives has called on Ibrahim Auyo, a lawmaker from Jigawa State, to substantiate his claims that legislators pay to move motions and bills in the green chamber. The allegations, if true, could potentially undermine public confidence in the National Assembly.
Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, claimed that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present motions, bills, and petitions. He made these claims during a meeting with his constituents, in response to criticisms over his perceived inactivity in sponsoring motions and bills.
However, the House of Representatives has categorically denied these claims, describing them as baseless and unsubstantiated. The National Assembly has well-established and transparent procedures for introducing bills, motions, and petitions, and statements of this nature must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.
The House believes that these allegations are unsubstantiated and could undermine public confidence in the National Assembly. If Auyo fails to substantiate his claim, the matter will be referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for consideration.
Auyo explained that the fees were part of the process to ensure proposals were passed, while dismissing accusations that he had failed to assist constituents in securing employment. The House leadership has challenged Auyo to provide evidence or face ethics committee investigation.
Advocacy groups have called for formal investigations into Auyo's claims as well. The House of Representatives remains committed to fostering mutual respect among members while upholding the dignity of parliament.
It is not officially recognized as common practice for members of the Nigerian House of Representatives to pay for sponsoring motions, bills, and petitions. While the allegation raises serious questions, there is no confirmed or established practice acknowledged by the House that members pay to sponsor legislation. The claim remains contested and under public scrutiny.
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Tinubu's administration allegedly causing issues within every political party as Peter Obi's name surfaces - Obidient Movement asserts