Lawmakers Clash in Rowdy Reps Session Over Minority Leader Forgery Allegation

Abuja — The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Thursday following a heated dispute over the race for the position of Minority Leader, with allegations of signature forgery sparking a confrontation among lawmakers.

The controversy began when Hon. Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, raised a matter of personal privilege during plenary, alleging that his signature was forged on a document endorsing Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the Minority Leader position.

Agbese maintained that while he had held discussions with several lawmakers, including Ugochinyere, he never signed any nomination document supporting his emergence. He described the inclusion of his name on the endorsement list as a breach of his legislative privilege and called for an investigation into the matter.

The allegation immediately triggered protests and counter-protests on the floor of the House, disrupting proceedings and creating a tense atmosphere among members.

In response, Ugochinyere denied the allegation, insisting that Agbese personally signed the nomination document during a meeting attended by several lawmakers. He further stated that witnesses were available to confirm the endorsement.

As tensions escalated, lawmakers exchanged accusations, forcing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to repeatedly intervene and call for order. The Speaker assured members that the matter would be addressed appropriately and subsequently announced a meeting with minority lawmakers aimed at resolving the leadership dispute.

The disagreement has exposed divisions within the opposition caucus over the process of selecting a new Minority Leader. While supporters of Ugochinyere insist that the nomination followed due process, opponents are demanding clarification over the authenticity of signatures attached to the endorsement document.

As of the time of filing this report, no official findings had been released regarding the forgery allegation, while efforts continue to restore unity among opposition lawmakers in the House.

The leadership tussle is expected to remain a major issue within the opposition bloc as lawmakers seek a resolution to the controversy.