JUST IN: I saw members receiving money on social media. Sir, I read $50k. I will share it on screen – Agbese

Tempers flared dramatically in the House of Representatives on Thursday as lawmakers clashed over allegations of signature forgery tied to a document circulating on social media. The tension unfolded amid the ongoing contest for the Minority Leadership position, turning what should have been a routine session into a heated confrontation.

The chamber briefly descended into chaos as voices rose and accusations flew across the floor. The situation escalated when Benue State lawmaker, Philip Agbese, invoked a matter of privilege, drawing urgent attention to what he described as a serious violation of his legislative rights.

Agbese strongly rejected claims linking him to a document that allegedly listed him among supporters of Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, who is reportedly contesting for the Minority Leader position. According to him, the document, which has been widely shared online, falsely included his name and signature without his consent.

His reaction was firm and emotional as he addressed the House. In his words, he said, “The person who signed this document, Honorable Sheyi, I have not seen him since December 2025. I am at lose and I feel that my legislative privilege has been bridged because this amount to forgery for my signature used for the purpose which was not intended for. I recall that in the past this morning, I saw members receiving money on social media. Sir, I read $50k. I will share it on the screen. I have the news link in my phone.”

The allegation immediately sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers, with some expressing concern over the implications of such claims, especially in a sensitive leadership race. Others called for caution, urging that the matter be properly investigated before drawing conclusions.

The unfolding drama highlights the deep divisions and rising tensions within the House, particularly as political interests continue to shape alliances and rivalries. Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident raises broader concerns about credibility, transparency, and the role of digital information in influencing political narratives.

As discussions continue, many observers believe the leadership of the House may be forced to step in to restore order and ensure that the allegations are thoroughly examined. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of how quickly political disagreements can escalate, especially when trust and integrity are called into question in the public space.