The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, has officially declared his interest in becoming the next Senate President.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Kalu expressed his sincere desire to take on the role with humility and candour, letters addressed to members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 108 Senators-elect revealed.
Kalu refuted reports that he had received endorsement from South East Senators-elect, clarifying that they had only met to make demands from the President-elect and the party, and had not endorsed any candidate.
The letters of intent, personally signed by Kalu, included his Legislative Agenda with six priorities, including Economic Growth and Reform, Constitutional and Electoral Reform, National Security, Improved Social Conditions and Welfare, Efficient and Effective National Assembly, and Global Influence.
Kalu pledged to promote and defend the constitution, as well as foster a positive relationship between the executive and the judiciary.
He explained that his seeming inactivity in the contest for the Senate presidency was due to the one-month mourning period for his late wife, Mrs Ifeoma Kalu.
“It is with a deep sense of joy and humility that I bring you warm greetings and that of Abia North Senatorial zone.
“My emergence as the Senator to represent Abia North in this critical time in the history of our dear nation comes with huge responsibilities, top of which is to make quality laws for the good governance of our people.
“To be able to achieve these enviable goals, we require good leaders who will pilot the affairs of the 10th Senate.
“Leadership of a sophisticated Senate at the 10th Session will need men and women with abundance of shared vision, consensus building, charisma, credibility and pragmatism in the saddle.
“This is why I most humbly write to officially inform you of my interest to be elected the next Senate President.
“I make this offer to serve you and the Nigerian people with sincerity of heart, humility and candour.
“The biggest asset I bring to the table is wisdom and experience garnered over the years in the management of human and material resources.
“I promise to work for you, promote and defend the constitution and the party, and foster a congenial and cordial relationship between the party, the executive and judiciary.
“One thing is indubitably certain: working together in unity and mutual love and respect, we can take Nigeria to real next level of peace, progress and development,” the letter read in part.
