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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives plenary was rowdy, yesterday, following allegations by the Deputy spokesman, Philip Agbese, that his signature was forged in a list by opposition lawmakers nominating Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as minority leader.
Agbese, who spoke under matters of privilege, said there were also reports circulating online alleging that members got $50,000 to make the endorsement.
Opposition lawmakers, in a document signed by 61 minority parties members, on Wednesday , nominated Ugochinyere as replacement for the former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, whose resignation was announced at Tuesday’s plenary.
However, Agbese, who is a member of the Labour Party (LP) while denying that was not among those who nominated Ugochinyere for the position of minority leader, said “My attention was drawn to a document on the internet with my name, reportedly nominating a member of this house for the post of minority leader.”
He added that “Mr speaker, I will recall that before this time, in line with our fraternal relationship in this house, I conversed, deliberated, and visited many members of this house. One of the persons I had such discussions with was my colleague, honourable Ikenga Ugochinyere.
“Our discussion was basically centred on the welfare of members of the minority and the issue of the executive not adhering to certain issues on our constituency projects.
“So, I am at a loss, and I feel that my legislative privilege has been breached because this amounts to forgery for my signature to be used for purposes that were not intended.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, in his ruling, said the issue will be addressed in accordance with the rules of the House. However, some members demanded that the matter be referred to the Ethics and Privilege Committee while another group insisted that Ugochinyere should also be given an opportunity to defend himself in the chamber. In no time the House became rowdy for several minutes.
Nonetheless, Ugochinyere, a member of the Action Peoples Party (APP), who represents Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, speaking under matters of privilege, accused Agbese of attempting to defame and blackmail him. He noted that he was prepared to present the names of lawmakers who witnessed the deputy spokesman sign and endorse his nomination “Mr. Speaker, my brother arrived from Benue late for our meeting, met me in the office, in the presence of some of my colleagues that I will bring forward, and voluntarily, on his own and independently, pledged and signed my nomination for the post of Minority Leader.
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“It is important that such a treacherous lie and attempt to defame and blackmail should be vehemently refuted. Our colleagues who were there when he signed will be brought forward before you, Mr. Speaker.
“I understand that at the moment, the overwhelming majority of 61 members out of 81 opposition members elected me. It may not go down well with some people, but I never expected that their desperation would get to this level. And also important Mr. Speaker, that those who are now more interested are those who are not even members of the minority.”
However, Agbese interrupted him, insisting that he did not sign the nomination. The development snowballed into a shouting match with Ugochinyere’s supporters and those opposed to him squaring up against themselves again.
After several minutes of rowdiness, the speaker called the House to order, saying a minority caucus meeting had already been fixed where all disagreements would be discussed.
With many members still raising their hands to speak, the presiding officer gave room and Solomon Bob (APC-Rivers) said that according to House Rule 7 (15), only experienced members can be principal officers.
He said Ugochinyere had barely spent three years in the house where there are opposition members with more than 10 years experience.
The lawmaker added that Ugochinyere should not be allowed to emerge.
Awaji-Inombek Abiante, member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Rivers State, in his contribution, said comments regarding the election of a minority leader should be expunged from the records of the House.
According to him, the minority caucus will formally present its leader to the House at the appropriate time.
The speaker, however, maintained his position, saying that all contributions on the matter would be taken at the minority caucus meeting, and then proceeded with the agenda for the day.
