Reps Dismiss Allegations of Bribery, Call for Credible Evidence of Misconduct

The House of Representatives has urged anyone with credible evidence regarding the alleged N480 million bribery demanded by some lawmakers from the Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to present it to the appropriate authorities, including the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges or anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for an independent investigation.

A media report recently claimed that senators and members of the House of Representatives, acting through the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, and the House Committee on University Education, were allegedly demanding bribes from universities to approve their budget allocations. However, the House has firmly denied these accusations.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the 10th House of Representatives emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all its activities. Rotimi labeled the allegations as baseless and without merit, stating that they appeared to be part of a concerted effort to undermine the integrity of the House and damage public trust in the institution.

“The budget process is constitutionally guided and transparent,” Rotimi explained. “The 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, which was attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the public.”

He added that following the presentation, various Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have appeared in public sessions to defend their budget proposals before the relevant committees. These sessions, according to Rotimi, ensure rigorous scrutiny and accountability in managing public finances.

The spokesperson expressed concern about the failure of some heads of federal tertiary institutions to attend these budget defense sessions, despite their constitutional obligation. “This disregard for the legislative process undermines accountability and shows a lack of respect for parliament and the Nigerian people,” Rotimi stated.

He also pointed out that some institutions had unresolved audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and had failed to appear before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues. This, he suggested, raised questions about the governance practices and financial management in those institutions.

Rotimi further addressed disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and mistreatment of staff and students in some universities, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in exposing and addressing these issues. “Recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have uncovered troubling governance practices in certain institutions. Preliminary findings suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demands thorough investigation,” he added.

While acknowledging the efforts of many university administrators, Rotimi made it clear that the House would not ignore the actions of those attempting to avoid scrutiny. “We are committed to holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process,” he affirmed.

The spokesperson also criticized PREMIUM TIMES for its handling of the allegations, claiming the media outlet failed to uphold the principles of balanced journalism by amplifying fabricated narratives without conducting a diligent investigation. He accused PREMIUM TIMES of sensationalism and noted that the report lacked an opportunity for the House to respond before its publication, further undermining the credibility of the story.

Rotimi urged anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing to present it to the relevant authorities for investigation, adding that the House had consistently challenged PREMIUM TIMES to substantiate its claims, yet the media outlet had not taken up the challenge. “Baseless allegations and media sensationalism will not distract the 10th House from its constitutional mandate to ensure accountability and good governance for Nigerians,” Rotimi concluded.

The House reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency in the budget process, ensuring that institutions adhering to due procedures have their budgets approved, 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 roles with integrity and professionalism, fostering a more accountable and transparent governance system.