The House of Representatives has issued a stern warning to Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo following his viral claims that lawmakers must pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor motions, bills, and petitions in the National Assembly.
In a statement released on Friday, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi confirmed that the House is aware of a video in which Rep. Auyo — who represents Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State — accused fellow lawmakers of operating a pay-to-play system for legislative sponsorship.
Rotimi condemned the allegations as “unsubstantiated” and cautioned that such claims, if left unproven, could damage public trust in the integrity of the National Assembly.
“The insinuation that sponsoring a motion or bill is a ‘contract job’ involving bribes is inconsistent with these processes and must be clarified,” Rotimi stated.
He emphasized that the legislative process is governed by the Nigerian Constitution, House Standing Orders, and ethical standards, all of which require transparency and documentation.
The House has announced that upon resumption of plenary, Rep. Auyo will be invited to appear and provide credible evidence to support his claims. Should he fail to do so, the matter will be referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for disciplinary review.
Rotimi added, “Statements of this nature must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.”
In the viral video that sparked the controversy, Rep. Auyo, also known as “Kamfani,” spoke in Hausa while responding to criticisms from his constituents. He refuted claims that motions are typically sponsored in response to public needs, asserting instead that financial payments drive the process.
“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,” Auyo alleged. “After that, you have to lobby over 360 lawmakers to support it.”
The House's response underscores its commitment to maintaining institutional credibility and following due process in legislative affairs. Rep. Auyo now faces mounting pressure to present concrete evidence or face possible sanctions.
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