From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Coalition for Development (HAKCOD) has expressed deep concern over the recurring misinterpretation surrounding comments made by Hon. Usman Auyo and the recent decision by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to initiate legal action actioagainst the leadership of the National Assembly.
The Association, through its Chairman Abubakar Maje Ahmed, stated that it will be recalled that in August 2025, remarks made by Hon. Auyo, Member of the House of Representatives for the Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Federal Constituency, were widely misrepresented in the media.
His comments were wrongly construed as an accusation that the process of presenting items for consideration in the National Assembly was influenced by bribery with reports alleging that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to present motions, bills, or petitions during plenary sessions.
This interpretation, however, is entirely false. Hon. Auyo has since clarified his statement, emphasising that he never accused anyone of engaging in bribery or corruption in connection with legislative processes.
According to Hon. Auyo, his remarks were simply meant to illustrate that some members voluntarily spend up to ₦3 million on consultants to draft bills or motions before they are formally presented not that such payments are made as bribes or prerequisites for presentation in the House.
HAKCOD reiterated that the decision by SERAP to pursue legal action based on these misinterpretations is unjust to the people of Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin-Hausa, a region with a proud legacy of political, economic, and social contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The group therefore urges SERAP and all concerned parties to reconsider their position and approach the issue with fairness and understanding, in the interest of peace, justice, and political stability in the country.
