By Peterside Rejoice, Abuja
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, has alleged that federal lawmakers are required to pay between N1 million and N3 million before being allowed to present motions, bills, or petitions on the floor of the National Assembly.
Auyo, who represents Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, made the claim in a viral video where he spoke in Hausa while responding to criticism from his constituents over his performance in the House.
The lawmaker, popularly known as “Kamfani,” alleged that the sponsorship of bills and motions in the National Assembly was financially driven, insisting that lawmakers must lobby extensively for their legislative items to be considered.
“Even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million for it to be read on the floor of the House. After reading the bill, you have to lobby over 360 lawmakers to support that the bill be considered,” Auyo claimed.
He denied suggestions that other lawmakers had moved motions strictly based on the needs of their people, saying the process was not as straightforward as portrayed.
On accusations that he had abandoned youth empowerment projects, Auyo maintained that most of his constituency interventions were targeted at young people, citing motorcycles, water pumps, and cars he had distributed.
“Eighty per cent of the distribution goes to the youths. The moment you distribute these things to them, they go and sell something you bought for N300,000 at N120,000 or N150,000,” he said.
Reacting, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, dismissed Auyo’s allegation as “baseless” and “a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Agbese attributed Auyo’s comments to what he described as “mental health challenges” which, he said, had affected his participation in the 10th Assembly.
“It is public knowledge that Hon. Auyo has been grappling with mental health challenges, which have significantly impacted his participation in the House. Since June 2023, his attendance has been less than 10 per cent and he has sponsored no bills, motions, or petitions,” Agbese said.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, challenged Auyo to provide proof of his allegations and submit it to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
“The 10th House, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is the most transparent in Nigeria’s history. The Speaker’s open-door policy ensures that every lawmaker has equal opportunity to contribute to nation-building,” Agbese stated.
He urged Auyo to focus on his health and engage more actively with colleagues instead of making claims that could damage public trust in the National Assembly.
“If he has evidence of wrongdoing, let him bring it forward. Otherwise, he should desist from making unfounded statements,” Agbese added.
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