The House of Representatives has officially confirmed Hon. Fred Agbedi, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, as the new Minority Leader of the 10th National Assembly.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, following growing pressure from opposition lawmakers who demanded an immediate resolution of the minority leadership issue.
The development came after a brief standoff at the National Assembly, where members of the opposition caucus threatened to disrupt plenary proceedings unless Agbedi was formally announced as the Minority Leader.
Prior to the commencement of the day’s legislative business, opposition lawmakers gathered at the lobby of the National Assembly, insisting that the House could not proceed with its sitting until the leadership position was officially addressed.
A video that circulated widely on social media showed the lawmakers chanting, “No announcement, no sitting,” as they pressed their demand for the recognition of Agbedi.
The protesting lawmakers, largely drawn from the G-60 opposition caucus in the House and led by Hon. Ikenga Imo-Ugochinyere, maintained that the minority leadership positions should reflect the wishes of opposition members.
The caucus openly endorsed Fred Agbedi for the position of Minority Leader, while also backing Hon. Abdusammad Dasuki, who represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, for the role of Deputy Minority Leader.
Upon entering the chamber, the lawmakers reiterated their demand that the House leadership settle the matter immediately, warning that legislative proceedings could be stalled if the issue remained unresolved.
The Speaker’s eventual announcement of Agbedi as Minority Leader brought an end to the tension, paving the way for the House to continue its plenary session.
The appointment places Agbedi at the forefront of the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives, where he will be responsible for coordinating minority lawmakers and providing alternative viewpoints on legislative matters before the chamber.
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