By Mercy Gadia
The House of Representatives descended into chaos on Thursday after the Deputy House Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, alleged that his signature was forged on a document endorsing Ikenga Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader.
The development followed reports that 61 members of the Minority Caucus had backed Ugochinyere, a lawmaker elected on the platform of the Action People’s Party, for the leadership position.
Agbese’s name was listed among signatories to the document, which also sparked allegations in some quarters that lawmakers were induced with $50,000 each to support the endorsement.
Raising a matter of personal privilege during plenary, Agbese denied appending his signature, describing the development as a breach of his legislative rights.
“Yesterday, I saw a document on the internet with my name reportedly nominating a member of this House for the position of Minority Leader,” he said.
“I have met with several colleagues, including Honourable Ikenga Ugochinyere, and our discussions were centred on the welfare of minority members and constituency projects.
“But the person who signed this document, Honourable Seyi, I have not seen him since December 2025. This amounts to forgery.
“I also saw allegations that members received money. I have not received any money from anybody,” he added.
Agbese said his constituents had contacted him for clarification, stressing that he would not allow his name to be dragged into controversy.
In a swift response, Ugochinyere dismissed the allegation, insisting that Agbese personally signed the endorsement document.
He told lawmakers that Agbese was absent at the meeting where he was adopted but later visited his office to append his signature.
“I will provide documentary evidence and witnesses to show that there was no forgery,” Ugochinyere said.
Agbese, however, interrupted, maintaining that he never signed any document endorsing any lawmaker for the position.
The exchange triggered a heated session, forcing the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, to repeatedly call for order as tensions rose on the floor.
Abbas assured members that the matter would be addressed, adding that he would meet with the Minority Caucus to resolve the dispute.
A meeting was subsequently scheduled for 2pm.
During the debate, a lawmaker from Rivers State, Solomon Bob, cited the House Standing Orders to argue that principal officers should be selected based on experience, noting that Ugochinyere had spent less than three years in the House.
Also, Dagomie Abiante urged that Ugochinyere’s remarks be expunged from the records.
However, the Speaker ruled that all contributions would be considered, urging members to remain calm pending the outcome of the caucus meeting.
The House is expected to take a position on the controversy after consultations with the Minority Caucus.