Current matters
The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has officially confirmed Hon. Frederick Agbedi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State, as the new Minority Leader during Thursday’s plenary .
Other positions filled by the Minority caucus through consensus include Deputy Minority leader with Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki (ADC, Sokoto) named to fill the position while Hon. Mansur Soro (APM, Bauchi) emerged as Minority Whip.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas made the announcement after he read a formal letter submitted by the minority parties in the 10th National Assembly.
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The letter stated that the minority lawmakers unanimously agreed, in line with Order 7 of the House Standing Orders (12th Edition), to nominate individuals to occupy vacant leadership positions within the caucus.
The Speaker read out the nominations on the floor of the House, confirming Agbedi, Dasuki, and Soro as the chosen leaders.
Lawmakers present acknowledged the decision, effectively completing the formation of the minority principal officers.
Speaker Abbas congratulated the new appointees and expressed optimism that they would work collaboratively with other members to advance the legislative agenda of the House.
He also assured them of cooperation from the entire chamber in achieving parliamentary goals.
The minority caucus has had its share of crisis following reactions that trailed the nomination of Hon IKenga Ugochinyere by the G60 as Minority leader.. The former occupant,Hon Kingsley Chinda had resigned to contest for the 2027 Governorship election in Rivers State.
However,a recent amendment to the House rule bordering on eligibility for leadership positions has made Hon. Ugochinyere to formally withdrew his earlier nomination for the position of Minority Leader.
His withdrawal letter, submitted on behalf of the G-60 minority group, was also read during plenary by the Speaker.
In the letter,Ugochinyere explained that the decision became necessary following recent amendments to the House rules governing eligibility for minority leadership positions.
He noted that while the earlier nomination was valid under existing conditions, the revised regulations necessitated compliance in the interest of institutional integrity and respect for parliamentary authority.
He further emphasized the need for unity within the minority caucus and support for a smooth transition process.
