By Kamil Opeyemi
“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.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, has declared his intention to contest for Senate presidency in the 10th National Assembly.
Kalu made this known on Tuesday while briefing newsmen at the National Assembly.
Kalu said that it was his turn to become Senate President, being a ranking lawmaker and from the South East.
“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,” he said
Speaking further, the former governor of Abia State, said he never changed his phone line for over 20 years.
“Remember, I’m the only former governor who has never changed phone line for more than 24 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 All Progressives Congress maintained a majority in the Senate, having secured 57 seats.
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 largely be determined by zoning.
However, the APC leadership said it has not zoned the Senate presidency.
With the Muslim-Muslim ticket presidency expected to assume office in May 29th, the general believe is that for the sake of power balance, equity and unity of the country, the ruling APC might zone the post to the South.