Abuja, August 15, 2025 — The House of Representatives has formally challenged Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, the member representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, to provide evidence supporting his viral assertion that legislators must pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor motions, bills, and petitions in the National Assembly.
Viral Allegations Ignite Controversy
In a widely circulated video delivered in Hausa, Auyo insisted that legislative business in the 10th House appears to be “financially driven.” He claimed, “Even the Bills are contract jobs. Each Bill presentation costs between N1 million, ₦2 million, and ₦3 million for it to be read on the floor of the House”—adding that petition presentations also require payment and must be followed by lobbying all 360 lawmakers for consideration.
House Responds with Rejection and Demand for Proof
Responding promptly, the House’s Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, condemned the allegations as “unsubstantiated,” “baseless,” and capable of eroding public confidence in the legislative process. He urged Auyo to back his claims with verifiable facts through proper parliamentary channels or face referral to the House’s Ethics and Privileges Committee.
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Deputy Spokesman Points to Attendance and Health Concerns
Furthermore, Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese dismissed the allegations as a distraction from Auyo’s own performance deficiencies, highlighting that the lawmaker has recorded under 10% attendance in the House and has sponsored no bills, motions, or petitions since the 10th Assembly began in June 2023. Agbese also noted that Auyo has been dealing with ongoing mental health challenges, and urged him to direct any allegations through proper channels.
Civil Society Calls for Scrutiny
While many observers echoed the view that motions and bills are not meant to be monetized, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Executive Director Auwal Rafsanjani warned that public-sector corruption could make such claims believable—even if untrue.
