Reps Debunk ‘Payment For Bills’ Claim By Jigawa Lawmaker

By Tonia Okereke

The House of Representatives has reacted to a viral video in which Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, Member representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, alleged that Members of the House receive payments to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions.

The lawmaker had alleged that members have to pay as much as One Million Naira to Two Million Naira to have their bills and motions listed and passed. According to bills and motions tracking platform Constrak, powered by OrderPaper.ng, Rep Auyo didn’t sponsor a bill in the first year of the 10th House

However, the House had described his allegations as baseless in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jnr.

The Reps spokesman also said that the House will investigate the allegations made by the Jigawa member, adding that the lawmaker would need to provide evidence to prove his claims.

The statement read in part: “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 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, PhD, GCON.

“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”.

Rotimi Jnr added: ” 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, 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”.

The Reps spokesman assured that 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”, he added.