Coalition Seeks Ugochinyere’s Suspension Over Forgery Allegations

A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to suspend lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere pending investigations into allegations of forgery, blackmail and other alleged misconduct.

The group, operating under the banner of the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO), said allowing the lawmaker to continue carrying out legislative duties while the allegations remain unresolved could undermine public confidence in the National Assembly.

In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Ibrahim Musa, National Secretary, Chinedu Okafor, and Director of Public Affairs, Amina Abdullahi, the coalition said its position was informed by allegations recently raised by Philip Agbese.

According to the group, Agbese had accused Ugochinyere of alleged involvement in signature forgery, blackmail, manipulation and actions capable of undermining the integrity of the legislature.

“Our demand follows recent public allegations made by Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, accusing Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere of involvement in alleged signature forgery, blackmail, manipulation and activities capable of undermining the integrity of the National Assembly,” the statement said.

The coalition described the allegations as weighty and deserving of thorough scrutiny, arguing that they touch on issues of legislative ethics, transparency and accountability.

It maintained that the House of Representatives should not ignore claims suggesting attempts to manipulate official processes or misrepresent the positions of lawmakers.

“As a coalition committed to the fight against corruption, abuse of office and impunity in public institutions, we believe that allowing Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere to continue to function in his legislative capacity while these allegations remain unresolved would undermine public confidence in the National Assembly and damage the credibility of the institution,” the statement added.

The group consequently demanded the immediate suspension of the lawmaker from all legislative activities pending the conclusion of investigations.

It also called on the House leadership to establish an independent panel to investigate the allegations and urged relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic investigations where necessary.

The coalition further sought the public release of investigation findings and the imposition of appropriate sanctions, including prosecution, if the allegations are substantiated.

“The National Assembly must demonstrate that no individual, regardless of status, influence or political affiliation, is above the law. The era where serious allegations against public office holders are swept under the carpet must come to an end,” the statement said.

While commending the leadership of the House for efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, the coalition urged Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to act swiftly in order to protect the image and integrity of the Green Chamber.

The group stressed that its position was not politically motivated but driven by the need to preserve public trust in democratic institutions.

“CSAACAO wishes to state categorically that this demand is not politically motivated. Rather, it is a patriotic call aimed at preserving public trust in one of the most important democratic institutions in Nigeria,” it stated.

The coalition warned that failure to act promptly could further weaken public confidence in governance and accountability.

As of the time of filing this report, Ugochinyere had not publicly responded to the demands made by the coalition.