A coalition of community groups under the aegis of the Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Coalition for Development (HAKCOD) in Jigawa State has condemned the move by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to institute legal action against the leadership of the National Assembly, describing it as “baseless and politically motivated.”

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Maje Ahmed, the coalition accused SERAP of acting on “falsehoods and political propaganda” allegedly spread by opponents of the lawmaker representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Federal Constituency, Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo.

HAKCOD described the planned lawsuit as “a reckless attempt to tarnish the reputation 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 an insult to the collective integrity of the people of Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin-Hausa,” the statement read.

“Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo has been an exemplary representative, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development. It is unfortunate that some political actors have resorted to distortion and blackmail to achieve their selfish aims.”

According to HAKCOD, the controversy traces back to August 2025, when Hon. Auyo was quoted during a media interaction as saying that lawmakers were required to make payments before sponsoring bills in the National Assembly — a statement the group insists was “deliberately misrepresented” by political detractors.

The coalition clarified that the lawmaker only explained that some legislators voluntarily spend personal funds — sometimes up to ₦3 million — to hire consultants who help prepare draft bills and motions before submission.

“At no point did Hon. Usman Auyo suggest that payments are made to facilitate legislative processes. What he described was a professional norm, where lawmakers engage experts to refine their legislative proposals,” HAKCOD stated.

The group further alleged that certain opposition figures within Jigawa State “fed SERAP with misleading narratives,” prompting the organization to pursue what it called “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,” the group said.

HAKCOD urged the leadership of the National Assembly and the public to disregard what it termed “sensationalized claims,” affirming that Hon. Auyo remains committed to credible representation and the advancement of good governance.

“We stand firmly by our representative. Any attempt to malign him is an attack on the will and dignity of our people,” the coalition declared.