Headlinenews correspondents reports confirm the APC Senators- Elect preparing for an impromptu meeting with the President- Elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the State House, Asokoro possibly to deliberate on the leadership of the Senate especially the zoning and micro zoning of the 10th National Assembly Senate President. There are various reports about different political leaders lobbying for different zones and Senators. The Senate President would have to be a ranking Senator and there are other factors to be considered including loyalty, temperament, ability to work in cohesion with the executive, relationship with the President representing the executive arm of governance, contribution of the zone to the success of APC including election results, leadership qualities, competence, capacity, integrity, ability to be a good team player, reputation, track record since being in the Senate, Bills sponsored, Bills facilitated, Constituency performance etc. There are so many requirements to be considered.
The main contenders are Senator Akpabio, who many consider has all the qualities to merit the Senate Presidency if zoned to the South. Akpabio is a true Leader and has been consistent in his commitment to the executive and government. Akbabio understands the political dynamics of the National Assembly and Executive as a tested politician with 9 lives! He is flexible and has been able to maintain a good profile.
Senator Umahi is next in line according to our investigations. Unfortunately, he was unable to deliver his zone with even the mandatory 25% His zone produced the worst record in the 2023 Elections for APC and does not merit the Senate Presidency. Umahi is a loyal politician in the APC family and has been consistent in his support for the executive arm. Its unfortunate that the SouthEast doesn’t deserve the Presidency according to the APC Stakeholders and Nigerians. However, Umahi is not a ranking member of the Senate so he is not eligible to be considered as Senate President.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is another Senator lobbying for the Senate President. Orji Uzor Kalu is one of the most inconsistent Senator from the SouthEast and lacks the characteristic values and sterling qualities required to lead the moral and legislative arm of governance according to our investigation. “Orji Uzor Kalu has been enmeshed in various controversies and hops from interest group to another. Nobody is ever sure where he belongs or what he is doing” replied a strong APC leader. “He can’t be trusted with power and nobody knows what to expect from him. He lacks the political maturity due to his age and is unable to resolve matters fairly in a way acceptable to all. He will have face offs with the executive if considered, it will be Tinubu’s biggest mistake” an APC NWC member who prefers anonymity stated.
However, the issue of the SouthEast not voting for APC was referred to by all those interviewed. “The SouthEast doesn’t deserve the Senate President, rather the SouthWest, SouthSouth should produce the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly to compensate them for giving APC votes to win the elections.” – stated a legal luminary who prefers to be anonymous in this matter.
