The details of the meeting between the Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu with former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have emerged.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the former Governor of Abia State was on a courtesy visit to the former Heads of State, Governor of Niger State, Sani Bello and Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Faruq on Monday in Minna, Niger State.
Speaking to reporters at the residence of General Abubakar, the lawmakers said he was in the state on a private visit and not as the Senate Chief Whip.
Kalu, however, revealed that he was in the state to congratulate Babangida on his health and also to welcome former President Abdulsalami on the success of the minor health operation he had recently.
He said: ““Well I am just in Minna to see my two bosses. To first congratulate President Babangida on his health and also to welcome former President Abdulsalami on the success of the minor health operation he had recently.
“As regards the change of service chiefs, the issue will be addressed through a collective decision of all members of the Senate, I am not here today as the Chief Whip of the Senate.
“I am in Minna on a private visit as a private citizen but once I am informed about the decision taken by the Senate I would make it known to the public if necessary. The Senators are 109 in number, and we have democracy deeply entrenched in the Senate where we all discuss and agree on issues collectively. The Senate has not taken a position so if I comment on it, I may be wrong.”
The former governor also denied rumors that he came to see the former Nigerian leaders over his presidential ambition.
“For now I am Senator and principal officer of the National Assembly, and if given the opportunity I would like to return to the Senate but if I am also given the opportunity to serve the country I won’t refuse.
Speaking on the issue of zoning the Presidency, Kalu described the matter as one that would be addressed by the political party, noting that the party’s decision remained supreme.
He said: it’s an issue of party, the parties have every right to decide the zone which would produce the candidate to represent it in the polls.”
