The Minority Caucus in the Senate today appointed Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, who represents Taraba North, as the Senate Deputy Minority Leader.

This followed a letter from the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The post became vacant when its former occupant, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba South) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari formally received Bwacha into the APC at the State House last Thursday.

Lawan read Ayu’s letter and announced the choice of Senator Lau as the new Deputy Minority Leader of the upper chamber.

The letter reads in part: “Following the defection of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha to the ruling APC, the PDP Senate caucus has nominated as his replacement, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau.

“Senator Lau is from Taraba State, the North East geo-political zone of the country, where the position has been zoned.

“The PDP Senate caucus has duly informed the National Headquarters of the party, in view of which we so communicate to you.

“We believe that Senator Lau will be an asset to the leadership of the Senate.

“Thank you and accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

After Senator Emmanuel Bwacha’s formal acceptance in APC,, Lawan said with the crossing over of Bwacha to the APC, the party now has 70 members in the Chamber while PDP has 38 leaving Young Progressives Congress (YPP) with one member.