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By Gloria Ikibah

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has appointed Rep. Afam Victor Ogene as its new Spokesperson, entrusting the experienced lawmaker and former journalist with the task of articulating the caucus’ position on national issues and strengthening its engagement with the Nigerian public.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Leader of the Minority Caucus, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi. According to the statement, the decision was reached during an online meeting of the caucus held on Friday, 19 June 2026.

Rep. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, currently serves as Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Describing the lawmaker as a seasoned parliamentarian, the caucus said he brings significant legislative experience and a strong commitment to democratic governance to his new role.

The caucus noted that Ogene’s background in journalism and public communication would further enhance his ability to represent its views and positions effectively.

“Hon. Ogene is the Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives and represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State. A ranking legislator and respected parliamentarian, Hon. Ogene brings to the role a wealth of legislative experience, deep understanding of parliamentary procedure, and an unflinching commitment to the defence of democratic ideals.

“As Spokesperson, Hon. Ogene, an award-winning journalist and editor, will articulate the positions of the Minority Caucus on national issues, ensure effective communication with the Nigerian people, and uphold the Caucus’s constitutional duty of holding the Executive to account”, he said.

The caucus expressed confidence that Ogene’s appointment will deepen public engagement and strengthen democratic accountability within the National Assembly.

It also called on media organisations and members of the public to support the new spokesperson as he assumes his responsibilities.

“The Caucus is confident that his appointment will strengthen its engagement with citizens and reinforce the principles of checks and balances in the 10th Assembly.

“The Minority Caucus urges members of the press and the public to accord Hon. Ogene all necessary cooperation as he discharges this responsibility on behalf of the Caucus”, it added.

Ogene’s appointment comes at a time when the opposition bloc in the House is seeking to sharpen its communication strategy and amplify its role in legislative oversight and policy debates within the 10th National Assembly.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has responded to recent concerns raised by its Minority Caucus over the country’s security situation, stressing that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires collective action, institutional commitment and practical legislative engagement rather than public commentary alone.

In a statement signed by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi on Friday, the House acknowledged growing public concern over insecurity in parts of the country, describing security as an issue of urgent national importance that demands sustained cooperation across all arms of government.

The House noted that the concerns expressed by the Minority Caucus reflect the anxieties of many Nigerians and reinforce the need for vigilance, coordinated action and continued collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

According to the statement, the National Assembly has continued to work with the Executive and security agencies to strengthen the country’s security architecture through legislation, budgetary support and oversight functions aimed at improving intelligence gathering, operational effectiveness, troop welfare and overall national preparedness.

The lawmakers also pointed to ongoing security operations across various parts of the country, noting that security agencies have recorded successes in dismantling criminal networks, rescuing kidnapped victims and restoring stability in affected communities.

While acknowledging that significant challenges remain, the House maintained that progress has been made and should be consolidated through continued support and institutional reforms.

The statement further cautioned against evaluating the country’s security situation without considering broader historical and operational realities.

“Public discourse on security must remain anchored on a balanced appreciation of context, trends, and historical developments. Nigeria has experienced both severe security setbacks and periods of improvement, and a fair assessment must recognise both realities while focusing on strengthening what works and addressing gaps”, the statement read.

Addressing the concerns raised by the Minority Caucus directly, the House emphasised that lawmakers possess constitutional tools that go beyond public criticism and should actively deploy them in tackling national challenges.

“Members of Parliament, irrespective of party affiliation, are not limited to public commentary. We are equipped with constitutionally recognised instruments: Bills, Motions, Committee Oversight, Appropriation Powers, and constituency engagement mechanisms which enable direct participation in shaping national responses and reforms”, it added.

The House also reminded members of the Minority Caucus that they remain part of the legislative arm of government and therefore share responsibility for advancing solutions to national problems.

The statement underscored the distinction between legislators and civil society groups, noting that lawmakers operate within formal decision-making structures and are therefore positioned to influence policy directly.

“In this regard, the House respectfully reminds the Minority Caucus that it remains an integral part of government within the legislative arm of the state. Parliament collectively bears responsibility for lawmaking, oversight, and appropriation, and is therefore jointly accountable for strengthening national security outcomes. The obligation to offer solutions, strengthen institutions, and support effective policy implementation is a shared one, not one divided along caucus lines.

“Unlike civil society actors whose primary tools are advocacy and public accountability, legislators operate within the formal decision-making architecture of government”, it added.

The House encouraged all members, regardless of political affiliation, to continue sponsoring bills, raising motions of urgent public importance and participating actively in committee engagements focused on security and governance reforms.

It also stressed that parliamentary interventions are most effective when concerns are accompanied by practical proposals capable of legislative consideration and implementation.

Speaking on the issue, House Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, said national security should remain above partisan politics.

He added that despite political differences, lawmakers remain united by their constitutional responsibility to Nigerians.

“Security remains a shared national responsibility that transcends political affiliation. Our duty as Parliament is not only to express concern but to ensure such concerns are translated into effective legislative and oversight actions that strengthen national security.

“The strength of the House lies in its unity of purpose, even amid differing perspectives. Majority or Minority, we are bound by the same constitutional responsibility to the Nigerian people”, Rotimi said.

The House acknowledged the continuing impact of insecurity on communities across the country, including threats to livelihoods, rural populations and other vulnerable groups, while reiterating its commitment to working with the Executive, security agencies, state governments and other stakeholders to improve security outcomes nationwide.

It maintained that overcoming the country’s security challenges would require more than rhetoric, insisting that sustainable progress depends on investment, institutional discipline, stronger inter-agency collaboration and a shared national resolve.

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Tension erupted on Saturday at Unit 4, Ward 2, Ilawe-Ekiti, during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, as supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, reportedly clashed over allegations of vote buying.

The confrontation, which disrupted the voting process briefly, reportedly left one ADC supporter injured, who was later rushed to a medical facility for treatment after sustaining a head injury during the altercation.

The ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, who voted at the polling unit, accused political actors of attempting to compromise the electoral process through cash distribution allegedly brought into the area.

He alleged that money intended for voters was brought into the vicinity, triggering a confrontation when his supporters attempted to intervene and stop the alleged activity.

Bejide further claimed that a chieftain of the APC arrived at the scene in a Toyota Jeep, allegedly with cash meant for distribution to voters, a situation he said escalated into chaos.

According to him, the situation degenerated after efforts to intercept the alleged cash led to a heated exchange involving party supporters and security operatives.

“One of my aides was attacked by security men brought in by them, and he has been taken to the hospital,” Bejide alleged, describing the incident as a violent disruption of the voting process.

He also said the alleged presence of cash at the polling unit was brought to the attention of security authorities, adding that the matter sparked panic and disorder within the area.

Despite the unrest, Bejide commended the conduct of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, noting that the election had proceeded smoothly prior to the outbreak of violence.

“The electoral personnel have been very diligent, and everything was going on very well before the pandemonium started,” he said.

He added that the situation had calmed after security operatives were redeployed to the area, allowing voting activities to continue under tight security presence, though tension remained high in the polling unit.