Author: Gist Correspondent

Proceedings in the House of Representatives descended into chaos on Thursday as lawmakers engaged in a heated confrontation over the race to fill the position of Minority Leader, following the resignation of former caucus leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda.

The tension-filled plenary erupted after Chinda, who recently emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Rivers State election, formally stepped down from his position in the House on Tuesday.

The controversy began when the Deputy House Spokesperson, Rep. Philip Agbese, raised a matter of personal explanation, alleging that his signature had been forged on a document purportedly endorsing Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere as the next Minority Leader.

Agbese told lawmakers that he was shocked to discover on social media a list containing names of members allegedly backing Ugochinyere’s candidacy, with his name included among the signatories despite never consenting to such endorsement.

He further claimed that reports circulating online suggested that some lawmakers were offered as much as $50,000 to support Ugochinyere’s bid, an allegation he strongly denied being part of.

“My integrity is at stake. I never signed any document and I never received any amount of money. I will never engage in such an act,” Agbese declared, adding that he would submit the document and relevant reports for investigation.

Responding to the allegation, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged the complaint and assured the House that appropriate steps would be taken to address the matter.

However, the situation escalated moments later when Ugochinyere sought to respond through a motion of personal explanation. He rejected the forgery allegation and maintained that his endorsement was the outcome of a valid decision reached by the minority caucus.

According to him, 61 opposition lawmakers endorsed his emergence as Minority Leader during a caucus meeting, insisting that Agbese had personally visited his office to append his signature to the endorsement document.

Ugochinyere vowed to provide documentary evidence and witnesses to support his claims, stressing that no signature was forged and that the endorsement process was transparent.

His remarks immediately triggered a sharp reaction from Agbese, who interrupted him and repeatedly insisted that he never signed any such document. The exchange quickly degenerated into a shouting match as lawmakers rose from their seats and traded accusations across the chamber.

For several minutes, the plenary was thrown into disorder, with members loudly expressing opposing views before the Speaker intervened and restored calm.

The debate took another turn when Rep. Solomon Bob argued that House rules require principal officers to possess substantial legislative experience. He contended that Ugochinyere, having spent less than a full term in the House, lacked the experience required for the position.

Rep. Dagomie Abiante also opposed Ugochinyere’s claim to the office, urging that his submission should not form part of the official records of the House.

Despite the growing tension, Speaker Tajudeen maintained that all issues surrounding the leadership contest would be addressed at a scheduled minority caucus meeting. He subsequently directed lawmakers to move on with the day's legislative business while efforts continued behind the scenes to resolve the dispute.