Jonathan, PDP Back David Mark For Senate President
President Goodluck Jonathan and the top brass of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) may have endorsed incumbent senate president to continue as upper chamber helmsman.
Meanwhile, ex Information minister, Dora Akunyili, who lost her bid for a senate seat under APGA, Iyiola Omisore, who lost in Osun under PDP, former Ambassador to Ireland and ex Aviation minister, Kema Chikwe and former presidential aide, Florence Ita-Giwa, are currently using all available contacts to push for a slot in the new cabinet.
Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo is also angling to endure his vanquished daughter, Iyabo, nails a spot.
Pointblanknew.com sources at the presidential retreat in Obudu, Cross River State, hinted that the party also resolved to zone the Speaker's position to the south east.
The downside is, incumbent deputy senate president, Ike Ekeremadu, who is from Enugu, would have to relinquish his exalted position.
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However, Pointblanknews.com learnt that the arrangement is not cast in stone as the national caucus would have to ratify it.
The south west looks good to produce the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while the North East picks the chairman.
It was however no clear which zone would fill the deputy senate president, and deputy speaker slots.
Pointblanknews.com sources hinted that the president and his men brainstormed all Tuesday and Wednesday night on how to compensate the south east for the overwhelming support during the presidential election.
On Mark, it was learnt that the president was advised to retain him for continuity, and also considering the fact that Jonathan was victorious in Benue, even though marginally.
Mark who has a committee working arduously for his return, has spent millions of naira on his return bid.
Frontliners for the Speaker's seat are Bethel Amadi, Arua Arunsi and Emeka Ihedioha.
The parliamentary caucus , made up of 43 legislators from the south east zone, rose from a crucial meeting on Wednesday and demanded that it would only accept the position of Speaker or Senate President.
Pointblanknews.com learnt that most of the PDP candidates who lost elections have intensified lobbying to secure relevance in the next cabinet.
Top sources hinted that Akunyili who lost to ACN's Chris Ngige and Chikwe who lost to APGA's Chris Ayanwun , and Omisore are also angling to be ministers.
It was learnt that Akunyili and Ita Giwa are using Mrs Patience Jonathan to prevail on the President who views Akunyili as ungrateful.