Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday announced a major shake-up in the Senate committee membership.
Saraki named senators who were opposed to his election as Senate President as chairmen of key committees.
The spokesman of the Senate Unity Forum Senators, Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) was taken from the Committee on National Identity Card/ National Population to head the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). The committee was vacated by Senator Uche Ekwunife whose election was nullified by the Appeal Court.
Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano North) oversaw the committee in the absence of Ekwunife.
Another opponent of Saraki, Senator Suleiman Hukunyi, was named the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity/national population.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was redeployed from Women Affairs Committee to chair the Senate committee on Environment.
Others are: Senator Hope Uzodinma (Committee on Customs); Senator Adamu Aliero (Senate Committee on Aviation); Senator Barau Jibril (Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions); Senator Joshua Dariye (Committee on Public Procurement);Senator Babajide Omoworare (Committee on Legislative Compliance); Senator Adokwe Suleiman (Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation); and Senator Baba Kaka Garbai (Committee on Rules and Business).
Also appointed chairmen are: Senator Tijani Kaura (Committee on Federal Character);Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (Committee on Power); and Senator James Manager (Committee on Solid Minerals).
Senator Ahmed Ogembe (Kogi Central, PDP) was appointed vice chairman of the Committee on Marine Transport. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central, Labour Party) was named vice chairman of the Committee on Land Transport.
The re-composition of the Senate committees was one recommendations of the Senate Peace Committee chaired by Senator Manager.
Saraki adjourned plenary till September 13 after the announcement.
He urged the committees to use the holiday to conclude their annual reports.
