Despite opposition, Akpabio names Moro as Senate minority leader, Ngwu as minority whip

Senators alleged interference in the appointments, which came after two senators, Simon Mwadkwon and Darlington Nwokocha, were sacked by the Court of Appeal on election petitions.

News Agency of Nigeria • November 21, 2023

Godswill Akpabio (Credit: Godswill Akpabio)

The Senate on Tuesday appointed Abba Moro (PDP-Benue) as minority leader and Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) as minority chief whip.

Mr Moro replaced Simon Mwadkwon (Plateau-North), who the Court of Appeal sacked, while Mr Ngwu replaced Darlington Nwokocha (LP-Abia), also sacked by the Appeal Court.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who announced the new leaders, said their appointment was based on the endorsement of the minority senators.

He said 41 senators endorsed Mr Moro’s appointment, while 31 senators endorsed Mr Ngwu’s appointment.

However, Okey Ezeh (LP-Enugu), citing a point of order, opposed the appointment of Mr Ngwu as Minority Chief Whip, saying that it was unfair to the seven LP Senators that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers were given all minority positions.

He said that the minority caucus had only resolved to adopt Mr Morro as the minority leader, while the meeting on who would become the minority chief whip would continue at a later time.

Tony Nwoye (LP-Anambra) alleged that the Senate leadership was complicit in the selection of minority leaders.

Mr Nwoye said the minority parties deserved the right to choose their leaders without undue influence or interference.

Adamu Alero (PDP-Kebbi) said the minority caucus had held a meeting nominating Mr Morro as the new minority leader and mandated him to present the signatories of minority senators who endorsed him as the minority leader.

“On the nomination of the minority chief whip, two nominees were presented; signatories are still being collated. Another meeting was scheduled to conclude the process of nominating a minority chief whip,” he said.

Mr Alero said the minority caucus had yet to mandate him to present a nomination for the position of minority chief whip.

Mr Akpabio, however, said he announced the minority leadership positions based on the information and documents presented to him.

He said that 41 signatories endorsed Mr Moro as the new minority leader, while the nomination of Mr Ngwu had 31 senators who signed in support of his nomination.

Mr Akpabio said he had ruled over their nominations and appointments.

“Any senator who has a contrary motion on the ruling should follow the Senate rule and come up with a counter motion,” he said.

(NAN)

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