Chidinma Iroegbu
The House of Representatives on Thursday witnessed a tense session following disagreements over the nomination process for the position of Minority Leader.
The disruption began after member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Philip Agbese, raised a point of privilege during plenary.
Agbese denied reports linking him to the endorsement of Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere for the Minority Leader position.
The lawmaker alleged that his signature was forged on a nomination document submitted in support of Ugochinyere’s candidacy.
He described the development as a serious violation of parliamentary ethics and institutional integrity within the House.
According to Agbese, he neither signed nor authorised anyone to append his signature to the nomination document.
The allegation immediately triggered reactions from lawmakers, leading to shouting exchanges and protests on the floor of the chamber.
Proceedings were briefly disrupted as some members demanded clarification over the authenticity of the nomination process.
The situation created tension within the opposition caucus as lawmakers engaged in heated arguments before order was restored.
House leadership later intervened to calm the situation and continue plenary amid growing concerns over internal disputes surrounding the Minority Leader position.