N480m Alleged Bribery: Report lawmakers to anti-graft agencies, says Reps spokesperson
The House of Representatives has urged anyone with credible evidence regarding the alleged N480 million bribery demanded by some lawmakers from Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to approve their 2025 budget allocations to present it to the relevant authorities, including the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges or anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for independent investigation.
A report published in the media (not Vanguard) alleged that senators and members of the House of Representatives, operating through the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, and the House Committee on University Education, are demanding money from universities to approve their budgets.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi, on Wednesday in Abuja, he affirmed that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all its legislative activities. He also labeled the allegations as baseless and lacking credibility.
He said, “These values form the bedrock of our operations. It is, therefore, imperative to address the baseless and sensational allegations in the report, which appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution.”
Rotimi further stated, “The budget process is a constitutionally guided and transparent exercise. The 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the public.”
He continued, “Following the presentation, various Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have appeared at open public sessions to defend their budget proposals before the relevant committees. These sessions ensure rigorous scrutiny and accountability in public finance management.”
Rotimi expressed concern that some heads of federal tertiary institutions had failed to attend these budget defense sessions despite their constitutional obligation to do so. He stressed that this disregard for the legislative process impedes oversight, undermines accountability, and demonstrates a lack of respect for both parliament and the Nigerian people.
Additionally, he pointed out that some of these institutions had unresolved audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and had not appeared before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues. This evasion raises questions about their governance practices and financial management.
He also mentioned disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and high-handedness by some of these institutions in their dealings with staff and students. He emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in addressing these issues in the spirit of transparency.
“Recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have revealed troubling governance practices in certain institutions,” Rotimi added. “Preliminary findings suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demands thorough investigation. These engagements provide an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate
accountability, yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail.”
Rotimi clarified that while the House acknowledges the efforts of most university administrators, a few individuals who seek to evade scrutiny cannot be overlooked. The House remains committed to holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process.
The spokesperson also criticized PREMIUM TIMES for failing to uphold the principles of balanced journalism, claiming that the report lacked diligent investigative effort and instead amplified fabricated narratives by those seeking to avoid accountability. He also noted that the media outlet did not request a response from the House before publishing the story, undermining the credibility of their report.
The House encouraged anyone with credible evidence of misconduct to present it to the appropriate authorities, including the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges or anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC, for independent investigation. “This is a challenge we have consistently put forth to PREMIUM TIMES, but rather than rising to the occasion in the country’s best interest, they continue to indulge in sensationalism,” Rotimi said.
He concluded by stating that baseless allegations and media sensationalism would not distract the 10th House from its constitutional mandate to ensure accountability, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians. “Institutions that have adhered to laid-down procedures have had their budgets approved without issue, while those with outstanding obligations will be required to meet their responsibilities.”
The House also called on all stakeholders, especially the media, to approach their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to nation-building. “Together, we can strengthen our democracy and promote a more accountable and transparent governance system,” Rotimi concluded.
