The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies to investigate explosive allegations that lawmakers pay up to ₦3 million to present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
The group made its demand in a letter signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, following claims by House of Representatives member Ibrahim Auro that colleagues allegedly part with between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to table legislative items.
SERAP called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately hand the matter to the EFCC and ICPC. It warned that failure to do so within seven days would force the organisation to take legal action “in the public interest.”
“These allegations are a serious breach of trust and a direct violation of lawmakers’ constitutional oath,” SERAP declared. “Bribery should never determine the work of parliament.”
Hon. Auro had openly claimed: “You have to pay from ₦1 million to ₦3 million to present a bill. And even after that, you must lobby the entire 360 members to get it through.”
SERAP stressed that a proper investigation would help restore public faith in the legislature, which continues to face criticism over transparency and accountability.
