The Senate has clearly stated that the seat of Orji Uzor Kalu the Senate Chief Whip who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment will remain intact because the constitution allows it.
Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North was found guilty of corruption charges going up to N7.1billion when he served as Governor of his state. The charges were filed by the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
However, Justice Mohammed Idris sentenced the serving Senator to 12 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of the fraud charges.
The Senate through the Spokesperson for the red chamber, Senator Godiya Akwashiki representing Nasarawa North has disclosed that the seat of the embattled senator will remain intact until all other legal options have been fully explored.
“The Senate has no reason to declare his seat vacant. This is not the first time that such a thing would happen.
“There is no provision in the constitution that says the seat of any senator facing prosecution or convicted at a lower court should be declared vacant.
“He still has the opportunity to appeal the case.
“Even the tenure of a former governor Joshua Dariye, who has been in prison for some time now, ran its course until the end of the 8th National Assembly. Nobody declared his seat vacant.
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“The Senate President cannot declare the seat of Kalu vacant. It is against the law.
“Tell those who are canvassing such things that there is nothing like that, it is a non-issue,” Senator Godiya said