Group Urges Abbas to Halt Minority Leader Selection, Probe Alleged Signature Forgery

A socio-political group, the South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), has called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, , to suspend the process of appointing a new Minority Leader and investigate allegations of forged signatures linked to the emergence of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the position.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Convener of the group, Joseph Ambakederimo, described the controversy surrounding the leadership selection process as disturbing and capable of undermining the credibility of the office of Minority Leader.

The group referenced allegations made by Hon. Philip Agbese, who reportedly claimed that his signature was forged in a document purportedly endorsing Ugochinyere’s nomination for the position.

According to SSRG, the allegations have tainted the process and require immediate investigation before any decision is taken by the House leadership.

“It is unfortunate that allegations of forgery of signatures of members of the House of Representatives have emerged in relation to the endorsement of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as Minority Leader. The process has become tainted with allegations of impropriety and should be halted pending a thorough investigation,” the statement said.

The group argued that proceeding with the confirmation of any candidate while questions remain over the authenticity of signatures attached to endorsement documents could further erode public confidence in the House.

SSRG urged the leadership of the House to invoke its internal rules and procedures to identify those responsible for the alleged misconduct and determine whether other lawmakers may have been similarly affected.

The group also maintained that the position of Minority Leader should remain in the South-South geopolitical zone following the exit of the immediate past occupant, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

According to Ambakederimo, assigning the office to another region would amount to marginalising the South-South in the leadership structure of the House of Representatives.

“The vacant office of Minority Leader of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly, vacated by Hon. Kingsley Chinda from the South-South geopolitical zone, should be occupied by another member from the same zone. The South-South cannot be shut out from the leadership of the House,” he said.

The group further argued that, based on parliamentary tradition and ranking principles, Hon. Frederick Agbedi, who represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency and is serving a fourth term in the House, should be considered for the position.

It noted that Agbedi’s legislative experience and ranking status place him ahead of other contenders and make him a suitable candidate for the office.

SSRG also pointed to the current leadership composition of the House, noting that the Deputy Speaker, , is from the South-East geopolitical zone.

The group argued that allocating the Minority Leader position to another lawmaker from the South-East would upset regional balance and diminish South-South representation within the House leadership.

Calling for transparency and strict adherence to House rules, the group urged Speaker Abbas to ensure that any decision taken reflects due process, fairness, and established parliamentary traditions.

“The House of Representatives cannot afford to ignore allegations of forgery within its own chamber. Such claims are embarrassing to the institution and to the nation as a whole. The House leadership must act decisively to protect the integrity of the legislature,” the statement added.