From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has appointed Anambra lawmaker, Afam Victor Ogene, as its new spokesperson, tasking him with leading communications for opposition lawmakers and articulating the caucus’s positions on critical national issues.
The appointment was announced on Saturday in a statement signed by the Minority Leader of the House, Fredrick Agbedi, following an online meeting of the opposition caucus.
Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, will now serve as the official voice of minority lawmakers in the Green Chamber, becoming the key channel through which the opposition bloc communicates its views on legislative matters and government policies.
According to the statement, members of the caucus unanimously endorsed the appointment, expressing confidence in Ogene’s ability to effectively engage the public and communicate the positions of opposition lawmakers to Nigerians at a time when parliamentary scrutiny of executive actions remains crucial.
The Minority Caucus described the Anambra legislator as an experienced parliamentarian with an impressive legislative background, strong democratic credentials, and a track record of commitment to accountability and good governance.
It said his understanding of legislative procedures and parliamentary engagement would further strengthen the caucus in carrying out its constitutional responsibility of providing effective checks and balances within the National Assembly.
“As spokesperson, Hon. Ogene will articulate the positions of the Minority Caucus on national issues, ensure effective communication with the Nigerian people, and uphold the caucus’s constitutional duty of holding the Executive to account”, the statement said.
The caucus noted that beyond his legislative credentials, Ogene brings years of professional media experience to the role, describing him as an award-winning journalist and editor whose communication expertise would serve as an added advantage in managing the public affairs of the opposition bloc.
Before venturing into active politics, Ogene built a distinguished reputation in journalism, earning recognition for his contributions to media practice and public discourse in Nigeria.
Lawmakers said his background in the media industry would help improve public understanding of the caucus’s activities while ensuring more effective dissemination of opposition positions on issues of governance, legislation, and national development.
The caucus further called on media organisations and members of the public to extend their cooperation and support to the new spokesperson as he assumes his responsibilities.
The appointment takes immediate effect and comes just ten days after the House of Representatives announced a new leadership structure for the Minority Caucus, ending weeks of internal consultations and political manoeuvring over the composition of opposition leadership in the 10th National Assembly.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, had on June 11 announced Fredrick Agbedi of Bayelsa State as the new Minority Leader, alongside Abdulsamad Dasuki of Sokoto State as Deputy Minority Leader and Mansur Manu Soro of Bauchi State as Minority Whip.
