Reps demand evidence from member over ‘pay to present motions’ claim

The house of representatives has asked Ibrahim Auyo, a member from Jigawa, to provide evidence for his claim that lawmakers pay to move motions and bills.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker who represents Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa federal constituency in Jigawa had told his constituents that legislators pay up to N3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions on the floor of the green chamber.

“Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass, either from Auyo, Hadejia, or Kafin Hausa. They are just pretending,” the lawmaker, who was criticised by his constituents for infrequently sponsoring bills and motions, said.

“And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it.

“And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the house to accept the bill.”

‘PROVIDE EVIDENCE OR FACE ETHICS COMMITTEE’

In a statement issued on Friday, the house, through Akin Rotimi, its spokesperson, 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 reads.

“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 said the 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,” he said.

“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.”

He added that the house remains committed to fostering mutual respect among members while upholding the dignity of parliament.