Lawmakers in heated dispute over opposition leadership in House
A tense session unfolded in the House of Representatives as lawmakers clashed over allegations of forgery and blackmail tied to the race for Minority Leader. Philip Agbese accused Ikenga Ugochinyere of using his signature without consent on a nomination document, sparking a rowdy exchange. The Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, intervened multiple times to restore order and called for a closed-door meeting to address the crisis. The incident reflects deepening divisions within the opposition bloc as rival camps vie for control.
What we know
- Philip Agbese claimed his signature was forged on a document nominating Ikenga Ugochinyere for Minority Leader, which he denied signing.
- Agbese rejected reports of lawmakers receiving $50,000 to support a candidate, stating he had not accepted any money.
- Ikenga Ugochinyere denied the forgery allegation, insisting Agbese signed the document voluntarily in front of witnesses.
- The session descended into a shouting match, with both camps exchanging accusations and the Speaker repeatedly calling for calm.
- The Speaker announced a closed-door meeting for minority lawmakers to resolve the leadership dispute, as divisions within the opposition remain unresolved.
