Deputy Sen. Presidency:Kalu steps down for Omo-Agege

Senator-elect Orji Uzor Kalu has stepped down in his quest for the post of Deputy Senate President of the ninth Senate.

He h sow endorsed APC-Delta Sen-elect Ovie Omo-Agege.

His decision followed the position of his party, All Progressives Congress (APC) to support another candidate for the position.

The party on Monday announced Omo-Agege as its preferred candidate for the position

Although Kalu had vowed not to step down for any candidate, in a statement by his media office Monday evening, the Senator-elect said his decision to step down was based on party supremacy and his loyalty.

He said he would now throw his weight behind the party’s candidates across board.

“I decided to throw my hat into the ring to contest for the position of Deputy Senate President after wide consultations with stakeholders especially my political associates, friends and colleagues (returning senators and senators–elect),” he said.

“However, I use this medium to announce my withdrawal from the race in the interest of the APC and Nigeria at large.

“I contested and won election as a Senator on the platform of the APC and as such, I cannot go against the decision of my party.

“The party, I am optimistic will consider the South East for other principal positions in the Senate and House of Representatives for the sake of national unity.

“The South East should be ably and well represented at the top hierarchy of the 9th national assembly.

“The 9th national assembly will work harmoniously regardless of party affiliations to ensure that the executive and judiciary arms of government are complemented in a bid to build a prosperous Nigeria.”

The lawmaker pledged his loyalty to the party and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly role in the affairs of the party.

Kalu also thanked associates, followers and colleagues while calling on members of the ninth National Assembly to place the collective interest of Nigerians above selfish ambitions.