…….says he accepts the APC zoning arrangement.
Member representing Bende federal constituency of Abia State, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has announced his withdrawal from the race to emerge the Speaker of the tenth House of Representatives.
In a letter dated May 9, the House of Representatives spokesperson said this is in compliance with the position of his party, the APC which has released a zoning formula for the leadership of the tenth National Assembly.
Hon. Kalu expressed gratitude to those who have supported him for the Speakership position of the tenth National Assembly.
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The National Working Committee of the governing All Progressives Congress APC had on Monday released a zoning formula in which Hon. Kalu’s name appeared as nominee for Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives expected to be inaugurated next month.
He said, “However, as a firm believer in Party supremacy, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for the Speakership Position and fully accept the nomination for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly in line with the directives of our Party the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision aligns with the Party’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in all of its leadership selection processes.
“I am grateful for all the support and encouragement that have come my way during the Speakership race. I am both humbled and gratified by the confidence reposed in my ability to drive forward the renewed hope agenda of our esteemed party and the President-Elect on the legislative front.
“I appreciate the leadership of my party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), for nominating me as the preferred candidate for the Deputy Speaker position. I intend to honor this nomination with robust legislative support and a diligent commitment to advance the party’s agenda and nation-building objectives in the 10th Assembly.”
He expressed gratitude to the Party Stakeholders in the Southeast for their efforts to ensure that the region was not entirely left out in the leadership of the 10th Assembly.
This position he said is for the entire Geo-political zone and that the region will leverage on it for greater impact across the region.
“My commitment is to ensure that the dividends of democracy is delivered effectively for the benefit of all South Easterners and the Nation at large.
“I urge all my supporters across the Southeast and beyond to accept the decision of the Party and support all other candidates as nominated by the Party’s leadership as we work together to represent the best interests of the nation.”
