The House of Representatives has warned that Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo will be referred to its Committee on Ethics and Privileges if he fails to substantiate claims that lawmakers receive payments to sponsor motions, bills, and petitions.
In a statement issued on Friday, House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said: “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.”
“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.”
Rotimi described the National Assembly as 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,” he said.
According to him, “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.”
Reporters earlier reported that Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, alleged that federal lawmakers are required to pay between ₦1million and ₦3million before being allowed to present motions, bills, or petitions during plenary sessions.
Auyo, popularly known as ‘Kamfani,’ made the revelation in a viral video where he spoke in Hausa while reacting to criticism from constituents.
He denied claims that other lawmakers wrote motions out of their people’s needs but insisted that legislative processes at the National Assembly were financially driven.
“Since I went to the Assembly, it’s not true that someone wrote a motion for their need or others to be presented before the House. It’s all false. And if at all there is, anybody should come out to challenge me,” he said.
“Even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million for it to be read on the floor of the House. After you read the bill, you have to lobby over 360 lawmakers to support that the bill be considered,” he was quoted as saying. 