Anambra senators take the lead as Saraki reshuffles committees

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday named two senators from Anambra state as new chairmen of committees.

Andy Uba and Stella Oduah – lawmakers from the south-eastern state – were announced as replacement of two senators sacked by the court.

Uba was announced as chairman of the committee on interior, a position which George Sekibo, a Rivers senator, held until he was ejected from the red chamber.

Oduah is the new chairman of cooperation and integration committee as Abubakar Sani, a senator who represented Taraba north, has lost his seat.

Both senators indicated interest to contest the gubernatorial election in Anambra but failed to secure the tickets of their parties.

Uba was an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Oduah lost out in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary.

Saraki also announced the names of new vice-chairmen.

At the end of plenary, Sabi Abdullahi, spokesman of the senate,  briefed journalists on the changes made.

“There was an announcement by the senate president on the adjustment of some our committees so we have the following chairmen based on that announcement,” Abdullahi said.

“Trade and investment is now senator Sabo Mohammed, interior is now senator Andy Uba, public account is now senator Matthew Urhoghide, culture and tourism is now senator Raji Rasaki, local content is senator Adeola Olamilekan, cooperation and integration is senator Stella Oduah, capital market development is Bukar Mustapha.

“We have vice-chairmen of some of the committees, trade and investment is now Mohammed Mustapha, we have communication senator Ademola Adeleke, judiciary is now senator Omoworare Babajide and local content is now senator Godswill Akpabio.”

Commenting on the suspension of Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, the senate spokesman said the suspended lawmaker is expected to resume on November 14, since his suspension is for 190 legislative days.

He said if there is a public holiday on October 2, Ndume would resume sitting on November 15.