The House of Representatives has challenged a member, Ibrahim Auyo, from Jigawa state to provide evidence for his claim that lawmakers pay to move motions and bills.
DAILY POST reports that the All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker who represents Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa federal constituency in Jigawa state had told his constituents that legislators pay up to N3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions on the floor of the green chamber.
His constituents were said to have criticized him for not frequently sponsoring motions at plenary, prompting the disclosure.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, the House, through its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said the lawmaker will face the ethics panel if he does not prove his claim.
“The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, Member representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, who alleged that Members of the House receive payments to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions,” the statement read.
It said that the allegations were unsubstantiated and, if left unclarified, risk undermining public confidence in the National Assembly.
According to the statement, such an allegation must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.
“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,” the statement added.
Rotomi emphasized the House of Representatives’ commitment to fostering mutual respect among members while upholding the dignity of parliament.
