The lawmaker representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Frederick Agbedi, has emerged as the new Minority Leader of the House of Representatives following a leadership reshuffle within the opposition caucus.
His emergence fills the vacancy created after former Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving the position open within the opposition ranks.
The development prompted opposition lawmakers to nominate new principal officers to lead the minority caucus in the Green Chamber.
The appointments were formally announced during Thursday’s plenary after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read a letter from the minority caucus conveying its decisions.
In addition to Agbedi’s appointment as Minority Leader, Mansur Soro was named Minority Whip, while Abdussamad Dasuki emerged as Deputy Minority Leader.
The new leadership is expected to provide direction for opposition lawmakers in coordinating their legislative engagements and positions on national issues.
Announcing the development, Speaker Abbas said the minority caucus had concluded consultations and reached a consensus on the appointments.
“The minority caucus has concluded its consultations and agreed on officers to fill the vacant positions. Their decisions have now been formally communicated to the House,” he said.
The Speaker congratulated the newly appointed principal officers, expressing confidence in their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“Today, the leadership structure is complete. I congratulate the new principal officers and wish them success as they take on their respective assignments,” Abbas added.
Agbedi, a ranking lawmaker with extensive parliamentary experience, has represented Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency since 2011.
His new role places him at the forefront of coordinating opposition lawmakers and articulating the collective position of minority parties during legislative debates and deliberations.
Meanwhile, Imo lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, who was earlier considered for the Minority Leader position, stepped down from the race, citing recent amendments to House rules and revised eligibility conditions for principal officers.