The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to urgently investigate allegations that some National Assembly members pay up to N3 million to have bills, motions, and petitions presented.
In a statement, SERAP urged the leaders to refer the claims to anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC for proper investigation and prosecution, and to publicly identify anyone involved in the alleged scheme. The organization also emphasized the need to protect whistleblower Ibrahim Auro, a House of Representatives member from Jigawa, who brought the allegations to light.
Ibrahim Auro, in a viral video recorded in Hausa, alleged that lawmakers must pay between N1 million and N3 million to have their proposals presented and that following presentation, they must lobby all 360 members of the House to secure approval. He further claimed that, since his election in 2015, no one had given him a bill to pass without this costly process.
SERAP described the allegations as a serious breach of public trust and a violation of the constitutional duties of lawmakers. “Bribery should never influence legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly,” the organization stated. It warned that the claims, if true, undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights and make a mockery of the lawmaking process.
The civil society group has given the National Assembly leadership seven days to respond, warning that legal action could follow if the matter is not addressed. SERAP stressed that a transparent investigation and prosecution would help restore public trust and show that the legislature can hold itself accountable for corruption, including bribery.
By taking decisive action, SERAP said, the National Assembly leadership could demonstrate that the legislative body truly represents the public interest and upholds democratic accountability.
