Governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have formally endorsed Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for the position of Deputy Senate President of the Ninth National Assembly.
This is coming ahead of Tuesday, June 11 inauguration of the Ninth Assembly and constitution of the NASS leadership.
Already, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), have instructed Senators from their states to support and vote Kalu for the Senate number 2 position.
While extolling the virtues of the former Abia governor, the governors noted that the collective interest of Nigerians should be placed above selfish ambitions.
They, therefore, called on members-elect to bury party differences for national progress, adding that the political class must live up to expectations.
The governors, who declared their support for Kalu as Deputy Senate President, urged the Senator-elect, Abia North Senatorial District, to sustain his patriotic strides across the country.
“The South East is a major component of Nigeria and as such should not be denied of its stake in national polity. For the sake of national unity, all geographical zones should be given equal opportunities at all levels of government.
“Kalu is a detribalised Nigerian, a fact reflected in the number of friends he has across the country and beyond.
“He is patriotic, outspoken and a goal getter with experience and capacity to engender consensus among contending interests.
“Apart from his successful foray into politics, Orji Kalu is also a successful businessman who have contributed to national economic development in various ways. We believe that he will make a good Deputy Senate President of the Ninth National Assembly.”
Earlier, a former President of the Senate, Chief Ken Nnamani and former Governor of Enugu State, Chief Chimaroke Nnamani, had called for support for Dr. Kalu’s ambition for the position of Deputy Senate President.
The two Nigerian leaders, while describing Kalu as a good choice for the position, called on Ndigbo to support the Igbere born politician in his quest to clinch the seat of the Deputy Senate President.