Ben Kalu withdraws from Speaker of House of Reps race

*Settles for Deputy Speaker nomination

By Jon Egie

Benjamin Kalu, the federal lawmaker representing Bende federal constituency in Abia State has withdrawn from the race for Speaker of the House of Reps.

His decision to withdraw is sequel to the All Progressives Congress, APC zoning formula for sharing offices for the 10th National Assembly.

APC has endorsed Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and Jibrin Barau as the Deputy.

Abbas Tajudeen has been endorsed as House of Representatives Speaker and Ben Kalu as his Deputy.

Kalu, however, has declared his intention to run for the Office of Deputy Speaker.

“I believed this position was ideal for the Southeast region, as it has not produced a Speaker in the last 40 years.

”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).” he was quoted to have said in a statement.