Lawmakers Clash Over Minority Leader Forgery Allegations

A tumultuous session in Nigeria's House of Representatives unfolded on Thursday as lawmakers clashed over allegations of forgery concerning the nomination of a minority leader. Philip Agbes, representing the Ado Okpokwu Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, accused Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing the Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency in Imo State, of signing documents without authorization to support Ugochinyere's candidacy.

Agbes urged the House leadership to investigate the matter, claiming it was a breach of legislative privilege and an attempt to damage the reputation of Benue lawmakers. Ugochinyere denied the allegations, asserting that he had the support of his colleagues and that Agbes voluntarily signed the nomination document.

The session escalated into chaos, with loud protests and interruptions, prompting Speaker Abba Tajudeen to call for order. The speaker acknowledged the complaints and assured that the allegations would be examined, while a closed-door meeting was scheduled to address the leadership crisis within the opposition bloc.