The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Tuesday following explosive allegations of a $50,000 bribery deal and a forged signature involving the race for the House Minority Leadership.
The drama began during plenary when Rep. Philip Agbese (LP, Benue) raised a point of privilege, accusing Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) of forging his signature on a document nominating the latter for the position of Minority Leader.
Agbese also used the floor to vehemently deny social media reports alleging he received a $50,000 bribe to back Ugochinyere’s leadership bid.
“My signature was forged on a document nominating Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader,” Agbese told the House, dismissing the bribery claims as a smear campaign.
The situation turned volatile when Ugochinyere sought the Speaker’s permission for a “personal explanation,” insisting that the allegations against him could not go unanswered. The Imo lawmaker flatly denied the forgery claims, asserting that Agbese signed the nomination form in the presence of several colleagues.
“Agbese personally signed the nomination form supporting my aspiration. There are lawmakers here who can testify to this,” Ugochinyere declared.
The statement triggered an immediate uproar. Agbese repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, shouting, “I never did that!” while lawmakers from both sides joined the fray, turning the chamber into a shouting match.
Despite the chaos, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen managed to restore order. Responding to the tension, the Speaker acknowledged Agbese’s grievance but declined further public debate on the floor.
He announced that the leadership dispute and the accompanying allegations would be addressed during a closed-door meeting of minority lawmakers scheduled for later in the day.
