Abuja, Nigeria – A federal lawmaker from Jigawa State, Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, has alleged that members of the House of Representatives are required to pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million before they can present motions, bills, or petitions on the floor of the National Assembly.
Auyo, who represents Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, made the claims in a viral video recorded in Hausa while responding to criticism from his constituents over his performance.
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TJ News Nigeria reports that the legislator, popularly known as Kamfani, denied suggestions that lawmakers simply present motions based on constituents’ needs. Instead, he alleged that the legislative process is financially driven.
“Since I went to the Assembly, it’s not true that someone wrote a motion for their need or others to be presented before the House. It’s all false,” he stated in the video.
“Even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million for it to be read on the floor of the House. After you read the bill, you have to lobby over 360 lawmakers to support that the bill be considered.”
Youth Empowerment Claims
The lawmaker also rejected accusations that he had failed to empower youths in his constituency. He insisted that a majority of his projects, such as the distribution of motorcycles, water pumps, and cars, were targeted at young people.
“Eighty per cent of the distribution goes to the youths. Whoever said the youths were not supported is only expressing a personal opinion,” Auyo maintained.
“The moment you distribute these things, some of them sell items worth ₦300,000 for ₦120,000 or ₦150,000.”
Motion and Bill Submission Process
On how he handles motions and requests from communities, Auyo explained that he requires formal submissions before taking action.
“Any community or local government that has a motion should write it down and send it to my legislative aides for onward delivery to me. If it is something I can address instantly, we do it. If it requires inclusion in the next year’s appropriation, I will appeal for it to be done that way.”
The National Assembly has yet to respond to the allegations, which are likely to raise fresh concerns over transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s legislative process.
