News
N3m Bribery Allegations: SERAP Urges EFCC, ICPC To Probe N’Assembly
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to refer allegations that lawmakers pay up to ?3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions at plenary to anti-graft agencies for investigation.
The group made the demand in an open letter dated August 16, 2025, signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and made available to newsmen, yesterday.
A member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Auyo (APC, Jigawa), had in a viral video alleged that lawmakers part with between one million naira and three million naira to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.
In the letter, SERAP urged Akpabio and Abbas to “name anyone that may be involved in the alleged bribery and to ensure the recovery of any proceeds of bribery,” while also calling for the protection of Auyo as a whistleblower.
“The allegations that lawmakers pay bribes to present motions, bills and proposals at the National Assembly are a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.
“Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or running of the National Assembly,” the organisation stated.
SERAP maintained that “the allegations that lawmakers are paying up to ?3 million as bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
The group warned that if the National Assembly leadership fails to act within seven days, it would consider legal actions to compel compliance “in the public interest.”
“Referring the allegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation and prosecution would improve public trust in the ability of the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure accountability in the exercise of lawmakers’ constitutional and legislative functions,” it noted.
Auyo had alleged that “you have to pay from ?3 million, ?2 million, or ?1 million to present [a bill].
“And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.
Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
President Tinubu congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.
He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.
“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.
“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.
President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.
The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plan to establish the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency, which will take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management and Control.
The State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), revealed this during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He explained that the government is engaging the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
Ibas, in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, last Friday, said the initiative forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
He added that the State is enforcing environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on flood plains, which worsen flooding incidents.
According to him, effective flood management requires collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone cannot tackle the challenge.
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