As the jostle for who emerges the President of the Senate in the 10th National Assembly thickens, prominent Southwest Socio-political group, Southwest Forum for National Development (SFND) has tipped Senate Chief Whip, Senator ORJI UZOR KALU to chair the highest position in the nation’s Red chamber.
The Group in a Statement issued on Monday by its National President, Otunba Oladokun Charles Aridunu-Omo and its National Secretary, Hon. Soji Ikotun in Ibadan, Oyo State stated that Senator Orji is the most qualified among other contenders.
Charles noted that apart from being a ranking Senator and a Principal officer of the current Senate the former Abia Governor is the most fully prepared for the task ahead. He added that it is in public knowledge that Kalu has been a pan-Nigerian who has the interest of the Southeast and all Nigerians at heart.
Charles highlighted Kalu’s Leadership antecedents;
“His emergence will silence tenths of agitations by the Southeastern erstwhile of being marginalised by APC.
“Sen. Orji is experienced when compared with other members from other geo-political zones and he has built bridges across the country.
“We are confident that if elected, Orji’s position as Senate President would also go a long way to douse the pockets of misgivings over the emergence of the Southwest and the Northeast as President-elect and Vice President-elect of the country.
“Our conviction goes further that the patriotism and loyalty Sen. Orji has displayed over the years to the All Progressive Congress, APC also placed him above any other contestants in this race. We are assuring our party leadership that Orji as the Chairman of the National Assembly will bring peaceful relationships and understanding between the Executive arm of government and the legislature.
Orji Kalu’s mastery of the rules and proceedings of the Senate was also mentioned by the Leader of the Southwest group, stressing that Kalu becoming the Senate President would ensure no zone in the country is left behind.
Charles posited that the candidature of Orji and the President of the Senate will also arrest insinuation that our President-elect is not a lover of all Christians in the country and that will balance the Muslim-Muslim-Muslim ticket of the party.
He emphasised that the best way to win the confidence of the Christians and the south-easterners is for the ruling APC to support the Senate Chief Whip to become the senate president so as to calm their nerves.”
