From Victor Osula, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Thursday announced a new leadership team for its minority caucus, bringing to an end weeks of consultations, lobbying, and internal disagreements among opposition lawmakers over the composition of the caucus leadership.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the appointments during plenary, naming Fred Agbedi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, as the new Minority Leader of the 10th House.
Also appointed were Abdulsamad Dasuki of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), representing Sokoto State, as Deputy Minority Leader, and Mansur Manu Soro of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), representing Bauchi State, as Minority Whip.
The announcement followed weeks of uncertainty within the opposition caucus after the exit of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who resigned from the position to pursue his governorship ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reading a letter from members of the minority caucus on the floor of the House, Speaker Abbas said Agbedi’s emergence was the result of a consensus reached by opposition lawmakers, who described the Bayelsa lawmaker as one of the most experienced members of the House.
The Speaker noted that the appointments completed the body of principal officers in the House and assured the new minority leadership of the cooperation of the House leadership in advancing legislative business and implementing the House’s agenda.
“The leadership of the House will continue to work with the minority leadership to advance the cause of the institution and ensure effective legislative engagement,” Abbas said.
The development came amid heightened tension within the opposition ranks over who should succeed Chinda.
Before Thursday’s announcement, some lawmakers had openly backed Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, for the position.
Reports indicated that more than 60 opposition lawmakers had signed a letter supporting Ugochinyere’s nomination.
However, the process became mired in controversy following allegations that some signatures contained in the document were disputed by lawmakers, triggering disagreements within the caucus.
The tensions spilled onto the floor of the House on Thursday when Ugochinyere and a group of supporters reportedly entered the chamber chanting, “No announcement, no sitting,” demanding the immediate unveiling of the minority leadership team before legislative proceedings could continue.
Among lawmakers said to have supported Ugochinyere’s bid were Jesse Okey-Joe of Lagos State, Aliyu Mustapha of Kaduna State, Afam Ogene of Anambra State, and Aliyu Misau of Bauchi State.
However, following the Speaker’s announcement, Ugochinyere joined other opposition lawmakers in congratulating the newly appointed principal officers, effectively easing tensions within the caucus.
The announcement was greeted with applause and jubilation from opposition members, many of whom had insisted that the leadership positions be filled without further delay.
Agbedi, a ranking legislator and multiple-term member of the House, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced lawmakers in the opposition bloc.
As Minority Leader, he is expected to coordinate opposition activities in the Green Chamber and serve as the leading voice of minority parties on legislative matters.
Meanwhile, George Ozodinobi, who had been acting as Minority Leader following Chinda’s departure, returned to his previous position as Deputy Minority Whip.
With the appointments, the House leadership has formally resolved the vacancy in the opposition hierarchy, paving the way for a more coordinated minority caucus as lawmakers continue deliberations on key national issues.
