Hon. Philip Agbese
Hon Agbese Lambasts Hon. Auyo Over Bribery Claims For Bills, Motions in House of Reps
…Lambasts Hon. Auyo
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has vehemently debunked allegations that lawmakers must pay fees to present motions, bills, or petitions during plenary sessions.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Agbese described the claims by Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency as baseless and a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.
Laughing off the accusation, he attributed the lawmaker’s remarks to ongoing mental health challenges that have severely limited his participation in the 10th Assembly.
Auyo, popularly known as ‘Kamfani,’ sparked controversy in a viral video where he spoke in Hausa, responding to criticism from his constituents about his lacklustre legislative performance.
He alleged that legislative processes in the National Assembly are financially driven, claiming that lawmakers must pay significant sums to have their bills or motions read on the House floor and lobby over 360 members for support.
However, Agbese revealed that Auyo’s attendance in the 10th Assembly has been dismal, with less than 10% participation since its inception in June 2023.
“It is public knowledge that Hon. Auyo has been grappling with mental health challenges, which have significantly impacted his participation in the 10th Assembly,” he said.
“Since its inception, he has recorded less than 10% attendance and has contributed zero bills, motions, or petitions.
“While we sympathise with his struggles, it is unacceptable to fabricate stories about financial barriers in the legislative process to mask his absence and lack of engagement.”
Agbese challenged Auyo to provide concrete evidence of his claims, questioning, “If other lawmakers are diligently sponsoring bills and motions, what prevents him from doing the same? Where is his proof of these alleged payments?”
Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, emphasised that the legislative process in the 10th House, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is rooted in transparency, accountability, and intellectual rigour—not financial transactions.
“The Speaker’s open-door policy has united members across party divides, ensuring every lawmaker has equal opportunity to contribute to nation-building,” he said.
“The 10th House is the most transparent in Nigeria’s history, and Auyo’s allegations are a direct affront to our collective efforts and the integrity of this institution.”
The Deputy Spokesman further criticised Auyo for failing his constituents, who have repeatedly voiced concerns over his lack of tangible contributions.
“If Hon. Auyo perceives the legislative process as ‘rocket science,’ it may reflect his limited engagement or understanding, not systemic corruption,” Agbese remarked.
He urged Auyo to prioritise his mental health, seek professional support, and focus on delivering results for his constituents rather than spreading falsehoods that undermine public trust in the National Assembly.
“If he has evidence of wrongdoing, he should present it to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which is equipped to handle such matters, rather than resorting to baseless accusations,” Agbese advised.
He also called on Auyo to engage more actively with his colleagues and bring himself down to learn the ropes in the House.
