Senate names Aduda, Utazi Minority Leader, Whip

The Senate has announced Philip Aduda (PDP, FCT) as its Minority Leader.

It also announced Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu) as its Minority Whip.

The announcement is contained in a letter by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to Senate President Ahmad Lawan and read during plenary yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aduda’s appointment followed the official resignation of Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia) as member of the PDP and former Minority Leader.

The letter, titled: Confirmation of the Senate Caucus Nomination of Senator Philip Aduda as Senate Minority Leader, reads: “Leadership of the PDP is pleased to confirm to you the nomination of Senator 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.

“Kindly accord Aduda the necessary cooperation due to the office.”

The letter added: “The leadership of the PDP is pleased to confirm to you the nomination of Senator 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 nominations.