Lawmakers clash in rowdy Reps session over minority leader forgery allegations

The Nigerian House of Representatives witnessed a dramatic confrontation on Thursday as lawmakers clashed over allegations of forgery, blackmail, and attempts to influence the race for the position of Minority Leader. The rowdy session highlighted deep divisions within the opposition bloc, which is currently navigating a struggle for control of key leadership positions following recent political realignments.

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I feel that my legislative privilege has been breached because this amounts to forgery of my signature to be used for purposes for which it was not intended.

The drama unfolded when Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, raised a matter of personal privilege. He accused Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, of forging his signature on a document purportedly nominating him for Minority Leader. Agbese stated he was surprised to see his name and signature used to endorse Ugochinyere, asserting that while he had discussed issues affecting minority lawmakers with Ugochinyere, he never signed any endorsement.

Agbese declared that his legislative privilege had been breached, describing the act as forgery intended for purposes he did not authorize. He urged the House leadership to investigate and halt what he termed sustained attempts by Ugochinyere and his associates to damage his reputation. Agbese also refuted social media reports claiming some lawmakers received $50,000 to support a particular candidate, emphasizing his integrity and that of his constituents.

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My constituents have been calling me. I have not received any amount of money from anybody and I will not do so. This is my integrity.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged Agbese's complaint and assured that the allegations would be examined. He appealed to members to avoid prolonging the dispute on the floor and announced a closed-door meeting for minority lawmakers later that day to address the leadership crisis. Ugochinyere sought to respond, denying the forgery allegations and asserting that Agbese had personally endorsed his nomination form.

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We will take action on the issue you have raised in due course. However, I want to again bring to the attention of all minority members that I am inviting every minority member of this House to a closed-door meeting today by 2 p.m. so that we can discuss further.