Former two-time governor of Abia State and senator representing Abia Central, Senator Theodore Orji, has told the All Progressives Congress to release the zoning formula for the National Assembly, particularly the Senate early.
He noted that this would help the lawmakers decide on the choice of their candidate among the aspirants.
Orji spoke with journalists after he received an award as a member of the Board of Trustees, University of Ibadan Alumni.
The award was presented to him in his office by the association’s President, Professor Gabriel Nyityo.
Having garnered the highest number of seats thus far, according to National Assembly traditions and conventions, the ruling party is expected to produce the major leadership for both chambers.
However, the delay in the release of the zoning formula by the APC has continued to generate a lot of politicking, contentions and conversations around the leadership of the 10th Assembly.
In the Senate, some of the contenders for the Senate presidency are Senators Jibrin Barau (Kano Central), Sani Musa (Niger East), Ali Ndume (Borno South) Orji Kalu (Abia North), and GodsWill Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom NorthWest ).
Others are Senators Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Patrick Ndubueze ( Imo North), Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North), Gov Dave Umahi (Ebonyi South), Abdul’Aziz Yari (Zamfara West), Adams Oshiomole ( Edo North) amongst others.
Orji, however, noted that it was important for the APC to announce the zoning of the leadership before appropriate steps can be taken.
He said, “The APC has produced the majority number of the senators-elect that would make up the 10th Senate. The majority would always produce the Senate President. “The leaders of the APC have to make a pronouncement on where the position of the Senate Presidency would be zoned to.”
Orji added, “It is when they make the pronouncement that Nigerians would know the geopolitical zone they are backing for the position of the Senate President. That is when we will know who we would support.
“If it is zoned to the South East, we would come out to announce our preference among those that are contesting the position right now. The pronouncement is very vital.”
Senator Orji also noted that he was thrilled with the emergence of Emmanuel Nwayanwu as the President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Orji hailed Iwuanyanwu as a person who is experienced, knowledgeable and straightforward forward which made him the best person for the job.
He said, “I am happy with the emergence of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He can do the job very well. He has unlimited experience both in politics and business. He also knows the history of Nigeria very well.
“He has the capacity to organise people because he is not a partisan man. He is a straightforward person. He was begged to take the position because he is a man of honour. He voluntarily retired from politics.
“They are bringing him into politics once man through the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Because of the love he has for the Igbo nation, he has decided to take up the task.”
Beyond Nwanyawu’s appointment, the Abia Central senator advised that he looked out for the interest of the Igbos.
He said, “Everyone knows what is happening to the Igbo across the country, particularly during the last general election.
“We believe that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu would be in the best position to douse the tension in the nation and to make sure that there is peace in Nigeria.”
Orji also noted that he was retiring from politics to allow young people to come on board.
Orji said, “I am retiring from politics to give the opportunity to the younger generation that is why I am not returning to the Senate.
“I expect the younger generation to do better than me in order to achieve a better society. I don’t expect them to exhibit juvenile delinquency characteristics when they get to the office.
“They should behave responsibly in whatever they are doing so that they can make an impact on the younger generation. The Senate is a responsible place and a veritable platform for them to exhibit their talent and intellect.”
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