The Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dumped Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu as Deputy Senate President of the 9th Senate, less than 48 hours to the inauguration of the Ninth National Assembly, Igbere TV reports.
This is coming less than 24 hours after the South South All Progressives Congress reportedly endorsed the candidature of Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central, for the Senate plum position.
In a statement signed by Mr Iwemdi Nwaham, Publicity Secretary of the Delta State APC, and made available to Igbere TV, he said the decision was taken in the best interest of the state “after taking a larger picture of Orji Kalu from Abia State in the South East of the country landing the DSP position.”
He argued that those clamoring for Omo-Agege are doing so for the perks that comes with the office, should he emerge, adding, “but all that (perks) is for the benefit of one man and his people of Delta Central Senatorial zone and his sponsors.”
While drumming support for the South East to clinch on to the Senate plum position, the Delta APC said, “there are the added benefits of the whole Igbos of Nigeria feeling appeased at a time they feel badly treated in the same country we live in.”
On Omo-Agege’s candidacy, Nwaham said, “protagonists of the later (Omo-Agege) are for selfish reasons and understandably so. But we are looking at the bigger picture, for our party’s overall interest and for tomorrow’s strategic planning.”
While extolling the virtues of the former Abia governor, the APC Spokesman said, “even the man Orji Uzor Kalu is a big hit for that office, going by his person, his achievements, his national reach. He is a man who certainly plays in the big league.
“If Oshiomhole were left to have his way in this matter, his man from Edo State will have it first, or Delta will come a close second in his consideration. He, too, does not see big pictures.
“But this matter is beyond him. We, the true progressives of APC Delta State, side with the big picture. Orji Uzor Kalu is the big picture.”
