- Agbese insisted claims of bribery were baseless, stressing lawmakers work under Speaker Abbas’ open-door policy promoting accountability and transparency.
- He argued Auyo fabricated corruption stories to mask inactivity, poor attendance record, and lack of sponsored bills or motions.
The deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has denied allegations that lawmakers are paid to present motions or bills.
Agbese described the claims as false and linked them to the poor attendance and mental health struggles of his colleague, Ibrahim Auyo.
He spoke in a statement released in Abuja on Friday.
The controversy followed a viral video in which Auyo alleged that members of the House received between ₦1m and ₦3m to sponsor bills, motions, or petitions.
Agbese dismissed the remarks as “baseless” and “a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.”
He said, “It is public knowledge that Hon. Auyo has been grappling with mental health challenges, which have significantly impacted his participation in the 10th Assembly.
“Since its inception in June 2023, he has recorded less than 10% attendance and has contributed zero bills, motions, or petitions.”
The deputy spokesman argued that Auyo was using falsehoods to cover up his poor legislative record.
“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,” he said.
“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 said the House under the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, was run with “transparency, accountability, and intellectual rigour — not financial inducements.”
“The Speaker’s open-door policy has united members across party divides, ensuring every lawmaker has equal opportunity to contribute to nation-building,” he stated.
He maintained that the 10th House is “the most transparent in Nigeria’s history,” insisting that Auyo’s claims undermined the integrity of the legislature.
Agbese added that residents of Hadejia, Auyo and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency had consistently expressed dissatisfaction with their representative’s performance.
“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 concentrate on his health and legislative mandate instead of eroding public trust in the National Assembly.
Agbese also challenged him to present any evidence of bribery to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
As of press time, calls and messages to Auyo went unanswered, and his phone remained switched off when LEADERSHIP contacted him.