SERAP urges EFCC, ICPC to probe N’Assembly For Bribery

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker 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 on Sunday.

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.