Senate presidency : Youth group mobilises support for Orji Kalu

Progressive Youth Group have endorsed the former Abia state governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to emerge as the senate president of the 10th National Assembly to balance shift of power across ethnic and religious lines.

In a communique issued following its stakeholder’s meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, a convener of the group, Mr. Idris Jibril maintained that there is need for the youths to really play an active, deliberate, and strategic role in shaping what happens after the presidential election.

According to him: “In view of the rhetoric around the candidacy of the APC president-elect and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, there is a need to balance the shift of power across ethnic and religious lines. Being from the South-East extraction, the emergence of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu will douse the tension in the region.

“The country is already stretched across ethnic and religious lines. There are needs for us to look at our structure as a country and then chart a course that will intimate every ethnic group into the one Nigeria slogan.”

Mr. Idris further explained that Sen. Orji’s experience as the executive governor of Abia state for eight years, his experience in the private sector and legislative experience over the last four years as put him in a prime position to emerge and also understand the inner workings of the senate and drive the country towards positive development.

“In terms of capacity and track records he stands out better than others. Even while the All-Progressive Congress (APC) lost the presidential election in his state, Sen Orji overwhelmingly won his senatorial district seat. That shows acceptability. So instead of agitating, he will be able to bring agitators from the Southeast to the table to discuss nation building.” He said.