…Calls on Senate President, Speaker Abbas to refer bribery claims
…Warns of legal action if National Assembly fails to act within seven days
By Olakunle Oke
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to promptly refer allegations that lawmakers pay as much as N3 million to present bills, motions and petitions at the National Assembly to the country’s anti-corruption agencies.
In an open letter dated 16 August 2025 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the allegations as a serious abuse of office which must be subjected to thorough scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The organisation insisted that the leadership of the National Assembly should publicly identify all lawmakers implicated in the alleged bribery scheme and facilitate the recovery of any illicit proceeds arising from the practice.
SERAP further demanded that Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas guarantee protection for Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Jigawa), who first raised the alarm in a viral video. The group described his disclosure as a significant whistleblowing statement made squarely in the public interest.
Hon. Auyo alleged that legislators are required to pay between N1 million and N3 million before they can present motions, bills and petitions on the floor of the House. His claims immediately provoked public outrage and condemnation from civil society organisations.
According to SERAP, if established, the practice would constitute a flagrant breach of public trust and a direct violation of democratic principles, since bribery has no place in the performance of constitutional legislative duties.
The group argued that such allegations ridicule section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, which confers on lawmakers the responsibility of making laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the country.
SERAP cautioned that recurrent claims of corruption within the National Assembly foster a culture of impunity and steadily weaken citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The organisation added that a swift investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable in the alleged “bribes for bills” scandal would reinforce transparency and accountability within the legislature.
It stressed that, by taking decisive steps, the National Assembly leadership could demonstrate a willingness to subject itself to scrutiny and begin to restore public trust in the lawmaking process.
SERAP also reminded both chambers that Section 15(5) of the Constitution obliges public bodies to eradicate all corrupt practices and abuse of power, while the United Nations Convention against Corruption requires Nigeria to investigate and sanction such offences.
The group warned that if no meaningful action is taken within seven days of receipt or publication of its letter, it will pursue legal proceedings to compel the National Assembly to act in the interest of Nigerians.
