By: Jabiru Hassan.
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, has expressed deep concern and outrage over the recent revelation by a member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State alleging that lawmakers pay up to N3 million as a bribe to present motions and bills at the National Assembly.
In a release signed by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the organization’s Chairman Debo Adeniran he stated “If true, this allegation is despicable, condemnable, and represents a major setback for democratic governance in Nigeria.
It undermines the very essence of legislative integrity, erodes public trust in the parliamentary arm of government, and threatens the principles of transparency and accountability which are indispensable to our democracy.”
Given the important roles and responsibilities of the legislature in making laws, providing oversight, and representing the interests of the people, such practices — if allowed to persist — will continue to weaken governance structures, promote corruption, and silence genuine voices advocating for the people’s welfare.
CACOL therefore calls on all relevant government anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to urgently investigate this damning allegation.
The Nigerian people deserve to know who is collecting the money from the lawmakers, what the money is being used for, and why such corrupt demands exist within the National Assembly.
Those found culpable whether individuals or groups must be exposed and made to face the full wrath of the law without fear or favour. Our democracy cannot thrive if those entrusted with making laws are themselves victims or perpetrators of corrupt practices.
