The Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Coalition for Development (HAKCOD) in Jigawa State has faulted the decision of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to institute legal action against the leadership of the National Assembly over what it described as “baseless and politically motivated allegations” against the member representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Federal Constituency, Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo.
In a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Maje Ahmed, the group accused SERAP of “acting hastily on falsehoods and political propaganda” peddled by opponents of the lawmaker.
HAKCOD described the planned lawsuit as “a reckless attempt to undermine the integrity of an elected representative and distract him from his legislative responsibilities.”
“The decision by SERAP to proceed with legal action based on unfounded claims is not only unjust but also a direct insult to the collective integrity of the people of Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin-Hausa.
“Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo has been an exemplary representative, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development across the constituency. It is unfortunate that some political actors have resorted to distortion and blackmail to achieve their selfish aims.”
According to the group, the controversy originated in August 2025, following a media interaction in which Hon. Auyo allegedly stated that lawmakers were required to make payments before sponsoring bills in the National Assembly — a claim which HAKCOD insists was “deliberately twisted” by political detractors.
It clarified that the lawmaker merely explained that some legislators voluntarily spend personal funds — sometimes up to ₦3 million — to engage consultants who assist in preparing draft bills or motions before they are presented, emphasising that such expenses were not bribes or mandatory fees.
“At no point did Hon. Usman Auyo suggest that payments are made to facilitate legislative processes. What he described was a common professional practice across many parliaments, where lawmakers hire experts to refine their legislative proposals,” the statement added.
HAKCOD further alleged that some opposition figures within Jigawa State seized the opportunity to “feed SERAP with misleading narratives,” prompting the organization to embark on a misguided legal crusade.
“We urge SERAP, as an organization known for promoting transparency and accountability, to cross-check its facts before taking actions capable of damaging reputations or undermining public trust in democratic institutions,” HAKCOD said.
The coalition also called on the National Assembly leadership and the general public to disregard what it termed “sensationalized claims,” insisting that Hon. Auyo remains committed to credible representation and good governance.
HAKCOD concluded by urging civil society groups to exercise due diligence and maintain objectivity in their advocacy, warning that “politically influenced actions” could erode citizens’ confidence in democratic accountability initiatives.
“We stand firmly by our representative. Any attempt to malign him is an attack on the will and dignity of our people,” the statement concluded.
