Agbedi emerges Reps minority leader as Ugochinyere withdraws nomination

The House of Representatives on Thursday announced Hon. Frederick Agbedi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing a constituency in Bayelsa State, as the new Minority Leader of the House. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, made the announcement during plenary after reading a letter from minority parties in the 10th Assembly nominating […]

The House of Representatives on Thursday announced Hon. Frederick Agbedi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing a constituency in Bayelsa State, as the new Minority Leader of the House.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, made the announcement during plenary after reading a letter from minority parties in the 10th Assembly nominating principal officers for the caucus.

Also announced were Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki (ADC, Sokoto) as Deputy Minority Leader and Hon. Mansur Soro (APM, Bauchi) as Minority Whip.

Reading the letter, Abbas said the nominations were made in accordance with the House Standing Orders and were adopted by consensus among members of the minority caucus.

The speaker described the development as completing the composition of the House leadership and congratulated the newly appointed principal officers.

“Today, the body of principal officers is complete. On behalf of the entire House, I congratulate the three members and wish them success in their new responsibilities. We will work with them in ensuring the achievement of the legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly,” Abbas said.

The emergence of Agbedi followed the withdrawal of the nomination of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who had earlier been put forward by the G-60 group within the minority caucus for the position.

Abbas also read a letter from Ugochinyere formally withdrawing his nomination.

In the letter, Ugochinyere said the decision became necessary following recent amendments to the House rules governing eligibility and qualification for minority leadership positions.

He said although his nomination by a majority of minority lawmakers was valid under the rules that existed at the time, the amendment had altered the framework upon which the nomination was based.

Ugochinyere said he was withdrawing his claim to the office in order to preserve the integrity of the institution, respect the authority of the House and ensure compliance with the amended rules.

He added that the G-60 remained committed to the unity of the minority caucus, the stability of the House and the advancement of democratic and legislative ideals.

Following the reading of the letter, Abbas commended Ugochinyere for his cooperation and commitment to due process.

Earlier before the commencement of plenary, some minority lawmakers staged a brief protest in the chamber, chanting “No announcement, no sitting.”

However, there was no opposition from members of the minority caucus when Agbedi’s nomination was announced and adopted.