By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives on Thursday brought weeks of uncertainty over opposition leadership positions to an end with the announcement of a new minority leadership team headed by Bayelsa lawmaker Fred Agbedi.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen made the announcement shortly after the commencement of plenary, ending intense consultations, lobbying and disagreements among opposition lawmakers over who should lead the minority caucus in the Green Chamber.
Agbedi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was named Minority Leader, while Sokoto lawmaker Abdusamad Dasuki of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as Deputy Minority Leader.
The House also announced Bauchi State representative Mansur Manu Soro of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as the new Minority Chief Whip.
The appointments came amid heightened tension within the opposition ranks, with some lawmakers expressing dissatisfaction over the process leading to the selection of the minority leadership.
Moments before the announcement, a group of lawmakers led by Imo State representative Ikenga Ugochinyere staged a protest on the floor of the House, demanding that the leadership positions be resolved before legislative business could proceed.
The lawmakers repeatedly chanted “No announcement, No Sitting,” signalling their determination to press for a decision on the matter.
Ugochinyere had been one of the contenders linked to the Minority Leader position and enjoyed the backing of several opposition lawmakers from different political parties.
Among those reported to have supported his bid were Jesse Okey-Joe from Lagos State, Aliyu Mustapha from Kaduna State, Afam Ogene from Anambra State and Aliyu Misau from Bauchi State.
Despite the agitation, the House leadership proceeded with the announcement, effectively settling the contest that had generated considerable debate among opposition members.
Political observers say the emergence of Agbedi reflects efforts by opposition parties represented in the House to strike a balance among their various interests while maintaining a united front against the ruling party.
The new minority leadership is expected to coordinate opposition legislative activities, articulate alternative policy positions and strengthen scrutiny of government actions in the House.
With the appointments now confirmed, attention is likely to shift from internal leadership contests to legislative engagement as the opposition seeks to consolidate its role in the 10th National Assembly.
