By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has strongly refuted allegations that lawmakers are demanding bribes from Vice-Chancellors of federal universities to approve their 2025 budget allocations.
In response to a report by PREMIUM TIMES, Spokesperson of the 10th House, Rep Akin Rotimi, reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, dismissing the claims as baseless and an attempt to tarnish its integrity.
The House clarified that the budget approval process follows constitutional guidelines, with open sessions where ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) defend their proposals. It expressed concern over some university heads failing to appear for budget defense, calling it a disregard for legislative oversight.
Additionally, the House noted unresolved audit queries and governance lapses in some tertiary institutions, including allegations of financial mismanagement and misconduct. Recent oversight visits have also uncovered troubling practices, warranting further investigation.
The House criticised PREMIUM TIMES for publishing the allegations without seeking its response beforehand, accusing the platform of biased reporting. It reaffirmed its openness to credible evidence of misconduct but warned against media sensationalism aimed at misleading the public.
The 10th House vowed to uphold their oversight duties without compromise, and urged the media to embrace professionalism in their reporting for the good of democracy and national development.