Agbese refutes bribery allegations raised against House of Reps by Auyo

Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has strongly denied allegations that lawmakers are required to pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present motions, bills, or petitions in the chamber.

He linked the claims to the poor attendance record and health challenges of his colleague, Ibrahim Auyo, who represents Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Agbese described Auyo’s remarks as “baseless” and “a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.”

The allegations arose from a viral video in which Auyo, speaking in Hausa, claimed that legislative business in the National Assembly is financially driven, with members allegedly paying large sums to secure consideration for their proposals and lobby fellow lawmakers for support.

Agbese rejected these claims outright, asserting that Auyo has been dealing with health challenges that have significantly affected his work since the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in June 2023.

“It is public knowledge that Hon. Auyo has been grappling with health issues, which have greatly limited his participation in the Assembly,” Agbese stated. “Since joining, he has recorded less than 10% attendance and has not sponsored a single bill, motion, or petition.”

The Deputy Spokesman accused Auyo of attempting to deflect attention from his legislative inactivity by making unfounded accusations of corruption.

“While we sympathise with his struggles, it is wrong to fabricate stories about financial barriers in the House to mask his absence and lack of engagement,” Agbese said. “If other lawmakers are actively sponsoring bills and motions, what prevents him from doing the same? Where is his proof of these alleged payments?”

Agbese emphasised that under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House operates with “transparency, accountability, and intellectual rigour,” not financial inducements.

“The Speaker’s open-door policy has united members across party lines, giving every lawmaker equal opportunity to contribute to nation-building,” he said. “The 10th House is the most transparent in Nigeria’s history, and Auyo’s allegations undermine both our collective efforts and the integrity of the institution.”

He also claimed that constituents in Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa have expressed dissatisfaction with their representative’s performance.

“If Hon. Auyo finds the legislative process too complex, that reflects his lack of engagement or understanding, not systemic corruption,” Agbese remarked.

Agbese urged Auyo to focus on fulfilling his mandate and addressing his health, rather than making statements that could erode public trust in the National Assembly. He also advised him to submit any evidence of wrongdoing to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

As of press time, Auyo had not responded to calls or messages seeking his reaction, and his phone remained switched off. Efforts to obtain the official position of the House Spokesperson were also unsuccessful.