Drama At National Assembly: Reps Plenary Erupts Over Ugochinyere Leadership Bid

A heated disagreement over the position of Minority Leader threw the House of Representatives into a rowdy session on Thursday after Deputy House Spokesperson Philip Agbese alleged that his signature was forged on a document endorsing Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere for the role.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy stemmed from reports that 61 opposition lawmakers had signed a document backing Ugochinyere, a member of the Action People’s Party (APP), for the principal office. Agbese’s name reportedly appeared on the list, a claim he strongly rejected on the floor of the House.

The situation was further inflamed by an online report alleging that each of the lawmakers received $50,000 in exchange for endorsing Ugochinyere’s bid.

Raising a matter of personal privilege, Agbese said the publication and the inclusion of his name on the endorsement list violated his rights as a legislator and member of the Minority Caucus.

He maintained that he never signed any document supporting Ugochinyere’s emergence as Minority Leader and claimed his signature had been used without his approval.

“Yesterday, I saw a document online bearing my name as one of those nominating a member of this House for the position of Minority Leader,” he said.

Agbese acknowledged having held discussions with several lawmakers, including Ugochinyere, but insisted the conversations were focused on issues affecting minority lawmakers and constituency projects, not leadership endorsements.

According to him, the individual alleged to have signed the document on his behalf was someone he had not met for several months.

He described the incident as a case of forgery and called for a thorough investigation.

Agbese also denied reports that he received any financial inducement in connection with the alleged endorsement, stressing that the claims had raised concerns among his constituents.

“This is about my integrity. I neither signed any document nor received any money from anyone,” he said, adding that he would submit both the disputed list and the online report to the House for investigation.

Responding to the matter, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged Agbese’s complaint and assured members that the House would take appropriate action.

However, shortly after the ruling, Ugochinyere rose under a motion of personal explanation, insisting he had the right to respond to the allegations made against him.

He told lawmakers that Agbese was absent from the meeting where members of the Minority Caucus allegedly endorsed him by an overwhelming majority. Ugochinyere further claimed that Agbese later visited his office and personally signed the endorsement document.

He said he was prepared to present evidence and witnesses to support his claims and denied any wrongdoing.

The chamber soon descended into disorder when Agbese interrupted Ugochinyere, insisting that he never appended his signature to any such document.

The disagreement sparked a shouting match among lawmakers, with several members rising from their seats as Speaker Abbas repeatedly appealed for calm.

After several minutes of tension, the Speaker reminded members that a meeting of the Minority Caucus had already been scheduled for 2 p.m. to address the dispute and urged them to reserve further discussions for that forum.

Despite his intervention, some lawmakers continued to seek recognition to speak on the matter.

During the debate, APC lawmaker Solomon Bob from Rivers State argued that principal offices should be occupied by experienced legislators, citing House rules. He maintained that Ugochinyere, who has spent less than three years in the House, should not be considered ahead of opposition members with longer legislative experience.

Another Rivers lawmaker, Dagomie Abiante, also opposed Ugochinyere’s remarks, arguing that his explanation should not form part of the official House records.

Speaker Abbas, however, directed that all grievances and arguments concerning the matter be taken to the Minority Caucus meeting before proceeding with the day’s legislative business, effectively bringing the heated exchange to an end.