On Wednesday, the House adopted a motion sponsored by Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, seeking a clearer interpretation of Order Seven, Rule 15 of the House Standing Orders.
The resolution effectively bars first-term legislators, including Ikenga Ugochinyere, from holding principal positions, including minority leadership roles.
The motion, titled “Need for a Precise Definition of Order Seven, Rule 15 of the House of Representatives,” was passed unanimously without debate.
It clarified that Order Seven, Rule 15 stipulates that only members with cognate legislative experience in the House are eligible for appointment as principal officers.
The motion noted that international parliamentary practice often reserves leadership positions for experienced lawmakers in order to strengthen institutional memory, legislative competence, and governance stability.
It also referenced the 10th Senate’s interpretation of “cognate legislative experience” as senators who have completed at least one full four-year term, with returning members required to have served in the immediate past assembly.
The House, therefore, resolved that “cognate legislative experience” applies only to members who have completed at least one full term in the House of Representatives, adding that no alternative definition would apply.
Reacting to the decision, Agbese described the resolution as justified and said it validated his earlier position on the matter.
“No one goes to heaven through the back door. There is a clear and established route, and the same applies to leadership positions in the House,” he said.
He added that Order Seven, Rule 15 clearly requires ranking members with legislative experience to occupy principal offices, stressing that first-time lawmakers cannot assume such roles.
“You cannot be a greenhorn and expect to lead the Minority Caucus. It is not about endorsements or support from colleagues; the rules are clear,” he stated.
Agbese further argued that the resolution reinforced institutional order within the House, adding that it would strengthen parliamentary experience and governance continuity.
He concluded that the decision was “an act of God” and a positive step for the legislature’s institutional development.
