News
SERAP Sues Akpabio, Abbas Over Alleged ₦3 Million ‘Bribe-For-Bills’ Scandal
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, over their alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions in the National Assembly.
In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/2214/2025 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus compelling Akpabio and Abbas — sued on behalf of all National Assembly members, to refer the bribery allegations to anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.
The lawsuit followed viral claims made by Ibrahim Auyo, a House of Representatives member representing Jigawa State (APC), who alleged that lawmakers pay millions to have their bills or motions considered.
Auyo said in a video recorded in Hausa, “Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass. And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for.
You have to pay from ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million to present it. And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”
“Bribery Undermines Democracy” — SERAP
In its filing, SERAP described the alleged practice as “a grave violation of public trust and the constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.”
“Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly,” the organisation argued.
The rights group noted that such conduct undermines the legislative powers granted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and erodes public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
SERAP is also seeking an order of mandamus to compel Akpabio and Abbas to protect Ibrahim Auyo as a whistleblower under Article 33 of the UN Convention Against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
SEERAP stated, “Ibrahim Auyo is a whistleblower because of his public interest disclosures on the alleged ₦3m Bribe-for-Bills at the National Assembly.
Directing and compelling Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to ensure proper investigation would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”
The organisation, represented by lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, insisted that the National Assembly must act as “a proper and accountable legislative body that represents and protects the public interest.”
The statement read, “These allegations have exposed how lawmakers are abusing their entrusted positions to deny Nigerians of their constitutional and democratic rights.
Ensuring the investigation of the alleged ₦3m Bribe-for-Bills and prosecution of suspected perpetrators would improve transparency and accountability in the National Assembly and build trust in democratic institutions.”
According to the group, the bribery allegations amount to a breach of Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates public institutions to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Nigeria has also made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to prevent and combat corruption including bribery. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected,” SERAP argued.
It further stated that failure to act would entrench a “culture of impunity” in the legislature and weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The bribery claim surfaced in late October after Rep. Auyo’s video circulated on social media, sparking public outrage. In the footage, the lawmaker alleged that bills and motions were being “commercialized” and that no lawmaker could move a bill without financial inducements.
Neither Akpabio nor Abbas has publicly responded to the allegations, and no formal investigation has been announced by the National Assembly.
The case, which seeks to hold the National Assembly leadership accountable for transparency and ethical governance, is yet to be assigned a hearing date.
News
Shettima Steps Aside from Office After Three Years
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.
According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch
He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.
News
Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason
Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.
Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.
The ministry said in its official statement:
“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.”
What is Umuganura Day?
Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.
The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.
Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.
History of Umuganura festival
Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.
Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.
News
BREAKING: Nigerian Gov Announces 19 New Appointments
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of 19 new permanent secretaries and the redeployment of 14 others across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state civil service.
The state Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu-Maimota, made this known through a statement released on Tuesday, August 4, in Kano, signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment in her office, Rukayya Uba-Sulaiman.
Uba-Sulaiman said the new appointments followed the recent promotion of qualified directors to the rank of permanent secretary, with the aim of strengthening government operations and improving service delivery across state agencies.
“The posting follows the recent upliftment of some deserving Directors to the position of Permanent Secretaries, which was aimed at re-strengthening the machinery of Government for an effective and efficient service delivery,” the statement read.
The statement conveyed the governor’s approval directly, noting that the exercise was designed to reposition the civil service for greater efficiency under the current administration.
Newly appointed permanent secretaries were urged to carry out their duties with diligence and competence in support of the government’s broader objectives, Punch reported.
According to the statement, the postings take immediate effect. All handover processes between outgoing and incoming officers are expected to be concluded no later than Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Uba-Sulaiman described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility and selfless service to the people of Kano State, Vanguard reported.
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