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Nnanna Nwogu
The son of the great Nigerian politician, late M. K. O. Abiola, Kolajo S. Abiola says, for the sake of equity, fairness and justice, the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu is eminently qualified to be the next Senate President.
In a statement he made available to newsmen, Abiola said “With the 10th National Assembly beginning to take formation, the conversation surrounding the next Senate President is beginning to intensify.
“Our vibrant compatriots from the five States of the South East region of Nigeria are clearly in a state of despondency, feeling shortchanged. This is noticeable during the recent electioneering campaigns and thereafter.
“Furthermore, the major reaction to the emergence of the winner of the 2023 Presidential election is a very clear message from our brothers and sisters of the eastern extraction in particular.
“Unsurprisingly, the acrimony and bad blood generated by reasons of perceived marginalization need serious attention”, hence, “It is thus, imperative that the issue of Nigeria’s political dilemma be moved to the front burner given the significance of the issue at stake”.
“Given the above, banking on the political sagacity of the President-elect, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the South-West and the firm support of the Vice-President-elect, Sen Kashim Shettima from the North-West, it would only feel right for the 10th National Assembly Senate Presidency to be zoned to the South East for the sake of equity, fairness, and justice, thus maintaining the balance of power and a sense of inclusion.
“Zoning the Senate President to South East is the right thing to do.
“Most importantly, it is time to heal the wounds and nothing must take us back to the pre-civil war era again as a nation. Hence there is a need for “Awalokan” .l equity value to be extended to the Igbo nation”, he said.
Kalu, Abiola said “fits the Bill of the 10th Senate President”, adding, “Kalu is the most qualified and best possible choice, as his progression from current Senate Chief Whip would only feel logical and he also stands head and shoulders above all other Senators from the S/E”.
“It is equally important to take into account his successful first term as the Senate Chief Whip of the 9th National Assembly, which earned him the respect of his peers, most notably the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, who considered him “the most influential Chief Whip in the history of the Nigerian Senate”. Hence, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is most definitely the most qualified and best possible choice”, he noted.
He listed other things that qualified Kalu for that position including “Exemplary Leadership Qualities”, stating, “Throughout his political career, he has led by example, articulated his vision (and realized it), demonstrated integrity, made hard decisions, communicated effectively with his fellow lawmakers, empowered his subordinates and constituents, and been a source of inspiration and motivation for those around him. He has also displayed tremendous leadership and has always backed up his words with action. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s achievements in public office over the years speak volumes and his unwavering commitment to good governance and a better Nigeria is irrefutable”.
According to Abiola, “He has the political pedigree, Senatorial experience, district development acumen, he is courageous, bold, and reliable, a nationalist and details tribalized, embarked on Senate unification as well being resourceful and pragmatic.
“Similarly, his experience in the private sector will help sustain a workable national development plan for Nigeria.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s appointment as the 10th Senate President will be a significant step in the right direction to show not only the inclusion of all Nigerians in the governance of their country but also give everyone a sense of belonging”.
Kalu is the current Chief Whip of the Senate, the 4th highest-ranking Senator and has served as the Executive Governor of Abia State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
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