Senate President names members of four standing committees

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday named chairmen and members of three special committees and one ad-hoc committee.

The three committees are: Selection; Rules & Business; and Ethics and Privileges. The ad-Hoc Committee is Publicity.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East) was named as the chair of the 18-member Selection Committee, believed to be one of the juiciest in the upper chamber. Senators Abubakar Kyari, Fatima Raji-Rasaki, Ibrahim Rafui and Mathew Uroghide are members.

Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East Senatorial District, will chair the Rules & Business Committee and Senate Leader Ali Ndume will be his deputy.

Others members of the Omoworare-led committee are: Kabir Marafa (APC Zamfara Central), Barnabas Gemade (APC Benue) and five other senators.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, representing Imo East Senatorial District, was announced as the chairman of the 11-member Ethics & Privileges Committee with Deputy Senate Leader Bala Ibn Na’Allah as deputy. The committee’s other members include: Senators Tayo Alasoadura, Binta Masi Garba, Olaka Nwogu, Dino Melaye, Peter Nwaoboshi and Jeremiah Useni.

The Ad-Committee on Publicity is to be headed by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West Senatorial District). Senators Ben Bruce, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Shehu Sani are to serve on the Publicity ad-hoc Committee.

According to the announcement, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East) is to chair the Senate Services Committee, considered one of the juicy committee in the upper chamber.

Other members of the committee include Abubakar Kyari, Raji-Rasaki, Ibrahim Rafui and Mathew Uroghide.

The Senate President on Tuesday began the constitution of the Standing Committees to enable it carry out its functions effectively.

He disclosed at plenary on resumption that forms would be distributed to senators to indicate interest in their choice committees.

Saraki added that every lawmaker has the liberty to belong to more than one committee, adding that they were free to also make suggestions after studying the forms.

His words: “Senators are advised to fill the forms indicating their interest in belonging to the committees of their choice and it is a maximum of five committees per senator.

“The forms will be distributed by the Clerk. You can also take a look at the form and make your submissions to the leader of the Senate.’’