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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have nominated the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, as new minority leader.
The minority caucus, in a letter signed by 61 of the 81 lawmakers, conveyed Ugochinyere’s nomination, in a letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday.
The lawmakers cuts across the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Labour Party (LP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement ( APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Accord.
The Imo lawmaker is to replace Kingsley Chinda, who formally announced his resignation as leader of the opposition, in a letter read by Abbas, at Tuesday’s plenary.
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Chinda, who was elected into the House on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) was nominated recently as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State.
Ironically, the speaker, during Wednesday’s plenary, said he would meet with opposition lawmakers today in respect to the minority leadership. Apart from Chinda, the Minority Whip, Ali Isa and the Deputy Minority Leader, Ali Madaki, who were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have also defected to the APC.
Inside sources said the decision of the speaker to meet with the opposition party over their leadership is curious, especially as Order 7 Rule 9 of the House Standing Orders ( Eleventh Edition) empowers the members of minority parties in the Green chamber to choose their leader.
However, members of the minority caucus expressed hope that the Abbas will act swiftly on their letter so that the opposition can be fully represented in the House leadership. According to them, it lies within their power, as enriched in the House Standing Orders to choose their leadership.
