The House of Representatives has called on Ibrahim Usman Auyo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, to substantiate his claims that lawmakers pay huge sums to present motions, bills, and petitions in the chamber.

Auyo had told constituents that legislators spend as much as ₦3 million to introduce legislative business on the House floor.

“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,” he was quoted as saying.

“And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 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.”

Reacting on Thursday, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi described the allegations as weighty, stressing that they could damage public trust in the National Assembly if not proven.

“The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo alleged that members receive payments to sponsor motions, bills, and petitions,” Rotimi said in a statement.

“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.”

He added that describing motions or bills as ‘contract jobs’ involving bribes was misleading and inconsistent with legislative processes.

“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 Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate consideration, in line with parliamentary procedure,” Rotimi stated.