Former Governor of Abia State and Senator Elect, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has reacted to the recent endorsement of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the anointed candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, for the position of the Deputy Senate president in the Ninth assembly.
Dr. Kalu who spoke through his media officer, Kenneth Cole said he will always abide by the decision of the president and that of the National Working Committee of the the party.
He said the president did not endorse anyone for the position of the Deputy senate president, hence, himself and other competent senators are free to contest.
He said, “Ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of the 9th National Assembly and election of principal officers, politicians have started deploying different antics to satisfy their ambitions.
“One of such is a statement credited to National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mallam Lanre Onilu, claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari and the NWC of the party have formally adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President.
“I hold the President in high esteem as well as the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and other members of the NWC and as such, I will not disobey any formal pronouncement by them.
“However, I am still in the race to become Deputy Senate President because the President and the NWC have not adopted any candidate and as such the contest is open to all members of the party, who have the capability.
“I have the political dexterity, leadership qualities and goodwill to complement the efforts of the Senate President in actualising the objectives of the legislature to support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in taking Nigeria to greater heights.
“Leadership positions in the 9th Senate should be given to people who have the will to support the agenda of the APC while not deviating from the ideals of democracy.
“As I continue to mobilise support for the position of Deputy Senate President, I commend the President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and other stakeholders of the party for their support.
“Come tomorrow by the special grace of God and to the admiration of APC members and Nigerians at large, I will emerge as Deputy Senate President in the 9th National Assembly”.
