*As Lawan announces Utazi as new Minority Whip
Senator Philip Aduda (PDP, FCT), has emerged as the Senate Minority Leader, following the resignation of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who defected to All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Making the announcement on Tuesday, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, also announced Sen. Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu) as Minority Whip of the Senate.
The announcement is contained in a letter by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, to Lawan and read at Tuesday’s plenary.
Aduda’s appointment was sequel to 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 in part: “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 thereafter congratulated both lawmakers on their nomination.
