By Abdul Lauya
The House of Representatives has dismissed as baseless the allegations by Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo (APC, Jigawa), who claimed in a viral video that lawmakers are paid to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions.
In a statement signed by House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the Green Chamber described Auyo’s comments as “unsubstantiated” and warned that remarks of such nature, if left unclarified, could undermine public confidence in the National Assembly.
The House stressed that introducing Bills, Motions, or Petitions follows constitutional provisions, Standing Orders, and parliamentary ethics, making any insinuation of a “contract job” in exchange for bribes inconsistent with due process.
The leadership highlighted that the 10th Assembly, now midway into its tenure, remains focused on its 2023–2027 Legislative Agenda anchored on transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
Official records show that in just two years, the House has introduced 2,263 Bills, passed 237, and moved over 1,100 Motions, generating interventions across education, health, security, and economic development.
Still, Auyo’s allegations strike a familiar chord with a skeptical public. For many Nigerians, the legislature has long carried the stigma of opacity, fed by recurrent controversies over allowances and perceived insulation from the struggles of ordinary citizens.
While Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has held midterm engagements and public hearings to showcase accountability, analysts argue that the credibility of Parliament rests not on numbers but on tangible outcomes in people’s lives.
The House confirmed that Rep. Auyo will be summoned to substantiate his claims when plenary resumes. Should he fail to present evidence, the case will be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Political observers suggest the move is not only about defending institutional integrity but also a warning to lawmakers against bypassing parliamentary procedure in airing grievances.
As the 10th Assembly enters its latter half, Nigerians will be watching whether its much-publicized legislative record translates into meaningful governance or whether controversies like Auyo’s will deepen the gulf of distrust between Parliament and the people.
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