The House of Representatives has moved to end controversy surrounding eligibility for principal offices by formally defining “cognate legislative experience” as the completion of at least one full four-year term in the National Assembly, effectively ruling out first-term lawmakers from occupying key leadership positions, including those in the minority caucus.
The resolution was adopted on Wednesday following the unanimous passage of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Babajimi Benson, titled “Need for a Precise Definition of Order Seven, Rule 15 of the House of Representatives.”
The House noted that Order Seven, Rule 15 of its Standing Orders provides that only members with cognate legislative experience are eligible for appointment as principal officers. Lawmakers argued that parliamentary best practices across the world reserve such positions for experienced legislators to preserve institutional memory, strengthen legislative competence and ensure stability in parliamentary administration.
In adopting the motion, the House defined cognate legislative experience as applying exclusively to members who have completed at least one full four-year term in the House of Representatives. It further declared that no other interpretation of the term would be recognized.
The lawmakers also stressed the need to deepen parliamentary stability and continuity, strengthen institutional memory, promote experienced leadership and reduce avoidable disputes within the legislature.
The development is seen as a major setback for the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who recently indicated his interest in the position of Minority Leader.
During plenary last Thursday, Ugochinyere informed the House that 61 lawmakers had endorsed his bid for the minority leadership position.
However, Deputy House Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, had challenged the purported endorsement, raising a matter of personal privilege to dissociate himself from the nomination. Agbese alleged that his signature had been obtained for a different purpose and expressed surprise at reports suggesting he had backed Ugochinyere’s candidacy.
Reacting to Wednesday’s resolution, Agbese described the House decision as a vindication of his position and an affirmation of the provisions of the House rules.
He maintained that Order Seven, Rule 15 was explicit on the qualifications required to become a principal officer, insisting that leadership positions in the House should be reserved for ranking members with legislative experience.
According to him, the resolution would help preserve the institutional memory of the National Assembly and strengthen the effectiveness of parliamentary leadership.
“It is in the Rule of the House. You cannot smuggle yourself into an office you are not qualified for. Today’s resolution has vindicated me. This is good for the institutional memory of our dear Parliament,” Agbese said.
The House’s decision is expected to shape future contests for principal offices and provide a clearer framework for leadership succession within the Green Chamber.
