‘Why Ohanaeze will not discuss zoning of Senate presidency’

• APC groups push for S’East Senate presidency, endorse Izunaso

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it would not discuss zoning of the Senate Presidency for the next dispensation. The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation’s stance is coming amidst concerns the development has generated, especially among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Investigation by The Guardian revealed that despite huge interest shown on the position by APC Senators from the South East region, Ohanaeze would not want to be drawn into the debate, based on its belief that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, would reclaim his electoral mandate at the shortest possible time.

It was further gathered that Ohanaeze, which is yet to endorse the election won by Bola Tinubu, was not keen on who occupies the office of the Senate president, probably considering its belief that 2023 presidential election was the turn of Ndigbo to produce the president of the country.

The Guardian gathered that Ohanaeze would not be interested in the position, following the notion that it does not serve the interest of the zone when the opportunity was given to the zone in 1999, with the likes of Alvan Enwerem (Imo); Adolphus Wabara (Abia); Chuba Okadigbo (Anambra); Anyim Pius Anyim (Ebonyi) and Ken Nnamani (Enugu) occupying the office.

Currently, senators from the South East, who are in the APC such as Osita Izunaso, Orji Kalu, Dave Umahi, among others, are jostling that the position be zoned to the region to enhance political balancing.

MEANWHILE, Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups, yesterday, threw their weights behind the clamour for the zoning of the Senate presidency to the South East.

In a statement signed by Fulani Ola, and addressed to the Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, they stressed that the call was based on the need to ensure national cohesion and integration in the country.

They further noted that their stance was hinged on the principle of Federal Character, as provided for in the Constitution, which promotes inclusion of all groups in the country into public offices.

The group, therefore, endorsed the aspiration of Senator Osita Izunaso to occupy the seat of Senate president in the 10th Assembly.