Senator Ike Ekweremadu has said that he contested for the post of the Deputy Senate President for the 9th Assembly to make a statement.
Ekweremadu contested for the post of Deputy Senate President against Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He however lost, recording 37 votes against Omo-Agege’s 68 votes.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the election, Ekweremadu stated that he contested only to prove a point.
According to him, it was not about winning or losing but to prevent a situation where Omo-Agege would not be challenged.
His words: “We need to exonerate ourselves. It was not a contest to win or lose; I wanted to make a statement. For over 20 years, I have been very busy with politics and governance. So, I think I can have a rest and reflect on other things.
“I believe there must be a referendum. Look at what happened on a day I was presiding and the chamber was invaded. It is embarrassing that someone who led that operation will take a bow and be endorsed and we all walk home like it doesn’t matter.
“I wanted a situation where we could present a referendum in respect of what transpired.”
He said he had expected the APC to present a consensus candidate who they would all be proud of instead of Omo-Agege.
