Ugochinyere Emerges House Of Reps Minority Leader-Designate

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has emerged as the Minority Leader-designate of the House of Representatives after securing the backing of 61 opposition lawmakers.

Documents obtained by The Whistler showed that the lawmakers, drawn from various opposition parties in the House, nominated Ugochinyere for the position and submitted their endorsement to the Speaker.

The Speaker is expected to announce the decision at the next plenary.

The development followed the vacancy created by the exit of former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chinda also emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.

The lawmakers who endorsed Ugochinyere were drawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Labour Party (LP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Accord Party (AP).

Sources within the opposition caucus said the nomination was transmitted to the Speaker in line with Order 7 Rule 7 of the House Standing Orders.

The lawmakers also disclosed that consultations were ongoing on other vacant minority leadership positions, including Deputy Minority Leader and Minority Whip.

One of the positions has reportedly been allocated to a member of the NDC from the North-West.

Explaining their decision, the lawmakers cited Ugochinyere’s legislative record, including his sponsorship and movement of more than 40 bills, motions and petitions within three years in the House.

They also noted his previous experience as Senior Adviser to the Senate President.