On Tuesday, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly witnessed uproar following the announcement by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, would be the new Senate Minority Whip.
Senator Ngwu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was appointed as the minority leader, a decision that faced opposition from some Labor Party senators. Senator Okechukwu Ezea from Enugu North raised objections, supported by Senator Tony Nwoye of the LP, challenging the allocation of three minority leadership slots to the PDP and leaving the Labor Party without representation in the senate leadership.
Despite a heated argument, the Senate President upheld the majority decision in favor of the PDP for the position of Senate Minority Whip.
Ngwu assumed the role, succeeding Labor Party’s Sen. Darlington Nwokwocha from Abia Central district, who was removed by the Court of Appeal in Lagos on November 4.
In addition, Akpabio announced Abba Moro, representing Benue South, as the new Minority Leader of the Senate, replacing Sen. Simon Nwadkwon from Plateau North (PDP), who was dismissed by the court on October 23.
During the same session, the Senate called on the Federal Government to honor the late Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the national flag who passed away on August 29, 2023. Following a motion moved by Sen. Sharafadeen Abiodun representing Oyo South, the lawmakers observed a moment of silence and urged the government to conduct a state burial in his honor for his contribution to the design of the national flag.
