The member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, has lost his attempt to become the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
This happened after the House approved a new interpretation of its rules, stating that only lawmakers with previous experience in the House can hold principal leadership positions.
The decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary session after lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
The House clarified Order 7, Rule 15 of its Standing Orders, which states that only members with legislative experience in the House of Representatives are qualified to be appointed as principal officers.
Last week, some opposition lawmakers nominated Ugochinyere to replace Kingsley Chinda as Minority Leader. Chinda left the position after emerging as the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State.
However, during a plenary session last Thursday, Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House and a Labour Party lawmaker, denied supporting Ugochinyere’s nomination.
Agbese claimed that his signature on the nomination document was forged. Ugochinyere, who is a member of the Action Peoples Party (APP), rejected the allegation and described it as false.
In response, Ugochinyere later released a video which he said showed Agbese signing the document that endorsed him for the Minority Leader position.
With the House’s latest decision restricting principal offices to lawmakers with prior legislative experience in the chamber, Ugochinyere’s bid for the position has effectively come to an end.
