It’s my turn to be Senate President – Kalu

By Starrys Obazei | March 21, 2023
starrys@ddnewsonline.com

Orji Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has indicated his interest to contest for Senate presidency in the 10th National Assembly.

Kalu, who was re-elected to represent Abia North in the Red Chamber, disclosed this Tuesday while briefing journalists at the National Assembly.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC won 57 seats in the Senate, thereby maintaining a majority.

APC senators eyeing the Senate presidency have been lobbying their colleagues to seek their support.

Aside from Kalu, who has publicly declared interest in the position, Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Sani Musa (Niger); Barau Jibrin (Kano); and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) are also said to be interested in running for the coveted office.

The final candidates for the position will mainly be determined by zoning.

However, the APC leadership said it has not zoned the Senate presidency.

Some people believe that it is likely that APC might zone the post to the South for power balance especially after its Muslim-Muslim ticket triggered outrage from some quarters, especially the Christian community.

Kalu told reporters that it was his turn to become Senate President, being a ranking lawmaker and from the South East.

He said: “It is my turn to become the Senate President. If I’m elected Senate President, I will be team Nigeria. I’m going to work in every corner of Nigeria.

“I schooled in Maiduguri, Borno State. I started my business in Lagos and spread it across all state capitals. My first name will be Team Nigeria, and my last name will be Team Nigeria.

“Remember, I’m the only former governor who has never changed phone line for more than 20 years ago. I’m still willing to maintain that telephone number to answer all my calls. I’m not going to switch off my phones because I’m Senate President.

“I’m hoping that Nigerians will pray for me to become Senate President because it’s my turn.”