The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a big loser as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday announced the formation of eight committees to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Red Chamber.

It is worth noting that the composition of the seven Standing Committees did not include members from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party.

The Selection Committee, headed by the President of the Senate himself, includes his Deputy and the Senate Leader, namely Barau Jibrin and Opeyemi Bamidele.

Additionally, Senator Ali Ndume, the Senate Chief Whip, and Rufai Hanga, a lawmaker from the New Nigerian People’s Party representing Kano Central, are also members.

Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, with Senator Bamidele serving as the Deputy Chairman.

Senators Sunday Steve Karimi and William Jonah have been designated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Senate Service Committee.

Traditionally, the leading opposition parties are given the Committee on Public Accounts in both chambers. However, in contrast to the ninth Senate, where Mathew Urgohide of the PDP (representing Edo South) served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Akpabio appointed Senator Aliyu Wadada from the Social Democratic Party, representing Nasarawa West, to lead the committee.

The opposition parties also did not secure positions in the Senate Committee on Appropriation. Senator Akpabio appointed two lawmakers from the ruling party, namely Solomon Olamilekan, representing Ogun West, as Chairman, and Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, as Deputy Chairman.

In the previous ninth Senate, led by Ahmad Lawan, the incumbent Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and PDP Senator Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North, served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively.

Interestingly, both Senators Olamilekan and Ndume hold prominent roles in the Stability Group, which campaigned for the Akpabio-Barau ticket. Olamilekan is the Director General, while Ndume serves as the Chairman of Media and Accounts.

Senator Sheu Buba Umar will head the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South, has been appointed as Chairman of the Media Committee. Senator Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi will serve as the Vice Chairman of the Media Committee.

The Ethics, Privileges & Public Petition Committee will be chaired by Okey Ezea, with Ibrahim Khalid as the Vice Chairman. The Legislative Compliance Committee will be led by Buba Umar as Chairman, with Asuquo Ekpenyong as Vice Chairman.

In summary, Senator Sheu Buba Umar will preside as the Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, with Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong serving as his deputy.