The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday named Senator Philip Tenimu Aduda representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Senator Chukwuka Utazi representing Enugu North Senatorial District as the new Minority Leader and Chief whip respectively.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan made the announcement while reading two separate letters signed by the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Quest Times understands this comes as the seat of the Minority Leader became vacant following the defection of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) from the PDP to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aduda’s appointment followed the official resignation of Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia), as member of the PDP and former minority leader.
The letter is titled, “Confirmation of the Senate Caucus Nomination of Sen. Philip Aduda as Senate Minority Leader.’’
The letter reads: “Leadership of the PDP is pleased to confirm to you the nomination of Sen. Aduda, as the new Senate Minority Leader.
“The nomination of Aduda is for the replacement of the vacant seat of the minority leader created by the defection of Abaribe to APGA.
“Pleaes kindly accord Aduda all the necessary cooperation due to the office.’’
Similarly, “the leadership of the PDP is pleased to confirm to you the nomination of Sen. Utazi as the new Senate Minority Whip.
“The nomination of Utazi for the replacement of the vacancy to the minority whip followed the elevation of Aduda to the Senate Minority Leader.’’
Lawan congratulated both lawmakers on their nomination.
(NAN)