2024 in Review: Scandals, Disputes, and Political Shifts in the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives officially closed for the year on December 19, marking the end of a tumultuous period that saw a mixture of controversies, political battles, and personal losses. Here is a closer look at some of the most significant events that shaped the Green Chamber in 2024.

Binance Bribery Allegations

One of the most explosive incidents of the year occurred in May, when the House was embroiled in bribery allegations involving the CEO of Binance, Richard Teng. Teng claimed that after meeting with the House Committee on Financial Crimes, members of his team were approached by unknown individuals offering to “take away the trouble” of the company in exchange for money. This led to the premature end of the Committee’s probe into the company, which had been under investigation for criminal charges after two of its executives were arrested by the federal government.

Samoa Agreement Controversy

In July, the Green Chamber found itself at odds with the Executive over the Samoa Agreement. Following a motion by Aliyu Madaki, the House voted to suspend the implementation of the agreement due to the alleged inclusion of LGBTQ+ clauses. However, the newspaper that had published the report upon which the House based its resolution later retracted the story, claiming it was faulty and untrue.

Downstream and Midstream Committee Dissolution

Another key event involved the dissolution of the ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee. Initially tasked with investigating critical energy security issues like the importation of adulterated petroleum products and the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, the committee became embroiled in clashes of interest and bribery allegations. The leadership of the House ultimately decided to dissolve the committee amid its dysfunction.

Reversion to the Old National Anthem

A major landmark in the House was the decision to revert to the old National Anthem ahead of the 25th Democracy Day. Both chambers of the National Assembly unanimously passed a bill to reinstate the anthem, with the President later addressing a joint session where the anthem was officially reintroduced.

Fubara vs. Wike: A Divisive Tussle

The feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike sparked divisions within the House’s minority caucus. Ikenga Ugochinyere, leading a faction loyal to Fubara, opposed Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda. Tensions escalated in May when Ugochinyere led a group of 50 lawmakers to visit Fubara in Port Harcourt, angering pro-Wike factions in the House. The dispute continued throughout the year, with Ugochinyere becoming the face of resistance against Wike’s influence.

Mass Defections in the Labour Party

Towards the end of 2024, the Labour Party (LP) suffered a significant blow as six of its members in the House defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Among those who switched allegiance were Chinedu Okere, Mathew Donatus, Akiba Bassey, Esosa Iyawe, Dalyop Chollom, and Alfred Ajang. These defections weakened the LP, which had positioned itself as Nigeria’s third-largest political party.

Losses in the Green Chamber

The year also saw the loss of three members of the House: Ekene Adams, Olajide Akinremi, and Isa Dangoyaro. Their deaths marked a somber chapter in the year, with several moments of silence observed in the Green Chamber as a tribute.

The year 2024 in the House of Representatives was undoubtedly one of highs and lows, as political infighting, scandals, and personal losses shaped the legislative process. As the House closed for the year, many are hopeful that 2025 will bring about greater unity and progress in the country’s legislative affairs.