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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared his intention to contest for the Senate Presidency seat in the 10th National Assembly.
Kalu, who was reelected to represent Abia North in the Red Chamber, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen at the national assembly complex, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Kalu told reporters that it was his turn to become Senate President being a ranking lawmaker and from the South East.
He said: “If I’m elected Senate President, I will be team Nigeria. I’m going to work for 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, my last name will be team Nigeria.
“Remember, I’m the only former governor who has never changed phone line since 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.”
The ruling APC maintained its majority in the Senate, having secured 57 seats so far. Some of its senators eyeing the seat have been lobbying their colleagues to seek their support.
Aside 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 the coveted office.
The final candidates for the position will largely be determined by zoning of the positions by the APC leadership.
Howver, the party said it has not zoned the leadership positions in the national assembly.
There were reports that APC may zone the Senate President position to the South for power balance, especially after its Muslim-Muslim ticket triggered outrage in some quarters.