Alleged N480m Bribe: Report Evidence To Anti-graft Agencies – Reps

The House of Representatives has urged anyone with credible evidence on the N480 million bribe allegedly demanded by lawmakers from vice-chancellors of federal universities to pass their institution’s 2025 budget to report to its committee on ethics and privileges or anti-corruption agencies.

The House spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, said this while reacting to a report by Premium Times that lawmakers were forcing the vice-chancellors of about 60 federal universities to pay N8 million each, amounting to N480 million, to approve their allocations in the 2025 budget.

“The House encourages 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 Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to independently investigate any claim of impropriety.

“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,” Rotmi said.

The Ekiti lawmaker noted that some heads of federal tertiary institutions have failed to appear for the budget defence sessions, others have pending audit queries while there are those with allegations of sexual harassment levelled against them, “yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail.”

“It is concerning, however, that some heads of federal tertiary institutions have failed to appear for these Budget Defence Sessions, despite their constitutional obligation. This disregard for the legislative process not only impedes legislative oversight and undermines the principles of accountability but demonstrates a disregard for the parliament and the Nigerian people.

“Furthermore, it is a matter of public record that some of these tertiary institutions have pending audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and have consistently failed to appear before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues. This evasion raises questions about their governance practices and financial stewardship.

“This is in addition to disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office and high handedness in their dealings with staff and students, for which legislative oversight provides a crucial platform to address in the spirit of transparency.

“It is also noteworthy that recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have revealed troubling governance practices in certain institutions. While the final report is being compiled, preliminary findings in certain institutions suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demands thorough investigation.

“These engagements allow institutions to demonstrate accountability, yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail.

“To be clear, the House acknowledges the commitment of most university administrators, diligent and patriotic Nigerians working to advance education and national development.

“However, the actions of a few actors seeking to evade scrutiny cannot be overlooked. The House remains resolute in holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process,” he said.