Former Abia state governor who is the current Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, said on Tuesday that it is his turn to preside over the country’s upper legislative chamber, the Senate.
Kalu, who won re-election to represent Abia North, South East Nigeria in the Senate, said if he becomes the president of the 10th National Assembly, he will team up Nigeria.
The former governor, who is nonetheless under the prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged embezzlement, predicted his entitlement on the basis that his party, the All Progressives Congress, secured 57 seats in the election to form a majority.
Addressing reporters at the National Assembly on Tuesday morning, Kalu said as a ranking lawmaker from the South-East, it was his turn to become Senate President.
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 State 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 lines for more than 20 years. 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.”
APC senators eyeing the Senate presidency have been lobbying their colleagues to seek their support.
According to report, apart 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.
