A former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin alleged that the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, handed out $25,000 to lawmakers so that they could pass a vote of confidence on the speaker.

Jibrin claimed that Dogara opened a register at his Asokoro guest house where each member who signed was handed the cash.

Last week, he made a similar allegation against nine members of the House Committee on Appropriation, who disowned him. In the case of the appropriation committee lawmakers, Jibrin alleged that they took a bribe of $20,000 each.

Among those who disowned him were his former Deputy, Mr. Chris Azubuogu, who is still the deputy chairman of the committee.

The members all denied the allegation.

In the latest allegation, the former chairman claimed that the Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, coordinated the disbursement of the cash to lawmakers.

He said Mohammed was assisted by the Chairman, Committee on Interior, Mr. Adams Jagaba, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the speaker, Mr. Cyril Maduabum.

Jibrin, in a series of tweets on Wednesday, said he was ready for the investigation into his “budget padding” allegations against Dogara by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission and the police.

He denied that he was not being sponsored by external forces to destabilise the House.

Jibrin tweeted, “Fellow Nigerians, in a desperate attempt, corrupt Speaker Dogara and the three others have opened a register for a vote of confidence signature.

“The register is opened at his Asokoro guest house located at Wilberforce Juta Crescent. Hon. members are given $25,000 to sign.

“This disgraceful act is coordinated by Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba and DCoS to Mr. Speaker, Hon. CID Maduabum.”

“Investigation by anti-graft agencies is already on and I pledge to support the investigation and prosecution of these corrupt public officers.

“I am also obliged to respond to some allegations that I am sponsored by some external forces to destabilise the House of Representatives.”

“No external forces in this matter; if there are any, they deserve commendation for sponsoring a struggle to wipe out corruption in the House.”

Jibrin added that he expected the four officers to resort to religious “blackmail” against him soon.