Politics
Two Years Anniversary of Senator Victor Umeh as Senator Representing Anambra Central
• A TESTAMENT TO A PEOPLE-ORIENTED REPRESENTATION AND HONEST DELIVERY OF DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY
By Charles Obi
Distinguished Senator Victor Umeh, OFR , was inaugurated into the 10th Senate on June 13, 2023 following his landslide victory in the Senatorial Election in Anambra Central held on February 25, 2023.
Senator Victor Umeh, as a ranking Member of the Senate, having participated actively in the 8th Senate, immediately resumed hands-on with the job, making sure that the pulses of the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District are heard in the Senate and receive the necessary attention as well as ensuring that every of their entitlements, are procured and distributed to the people in fairness, honesty and transparency.
Despite being a Member of the Labour Party, the Senate in recognition of his rare and unique potentials in driving positive initiatives towards achieving good results, and his wealth of experience, enlisted him into 14 Standing Committees in the Senate namely:
(1) Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) – Chairman
(2) Housing and Urban Development – Vice Chairman
(3) Air Force
(4) Establishment and Public Services
(5) Agriculture Production, Services and Rural Development
(6) Education
(7) Employment and Productivity
(8) FCT
(9) Industry
(10) Land Transport
(11) National Security and Intelligence
(12) Rules And Business
(13) Agriculture Colleges and Institution
(14) Ecology and Climate change
Note, Senator Umeh is presently the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity Management and National Population Commission.
He was unanimously elected Vice Chairman of Southern Senators Forum in the Forum’s Election held on March 13, 2024.
As his most popular chieftaincy title (Ohamadike ) implies: “A Warrior Known To His People” as well as the honorary title (Ọnụ N’Ekwulu Ndigbo) conferred on him by the Anambra State Council of Traditional Prime Ministers (Ndị Onowu) in Awka, in 2018, which implies, “The Mouthpiece (or Spokesman) Of The Igbo People,” Senator Victor Umeh has also continued his resilient advocacy for a national cohesion; giving equal rights and privileges to all parts of the Country with particular reference to the sentiments of marginalization agitating the minds of the people of South-Eastern Nigeria.
In pursuance of this course, the people’s Senator strategically engaged more robustly in means of attracting very impactful Programmes and Projects geared towards improving the livelihood of the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District whilst eloquently and pragmatically exploring means of further enhancing their welfare through sound legislative actions.
He has continued to loudly condemn the Disruptive Nature of “Sit-At-Home” Demonstration in the South East and called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He has so far Sponsored these very strategic BILLS IN THE 10TH SENATE:
* A Bill For An Act to Establish Federal College of Skills Acquisition and Technical studies Agulu Anambra State, and for other Related Matters, 2024, ( SB. 493 ) Sen. Umeh Victor Chukwunonyelu, Anambra Central. 1st Reading – 4/7/23. 2nd Reading – 27/11/24
* A Bill for An Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council Act to provide for the Establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture Ebenebe, Anambra State and for other Related Matters, 2024, ( SB. 636 ) Sen. Umeh Victor Chukwunonyelu, Anambra Central. 1st Reading – 31/10/24
Further intervening to the yearnings of the people of Anambra Central, South East and Nigerians in general, he has so far moved the following critical MOTIONS IN THE 10TH SENATE:
* Urgent Need to Control the Erosion Ravaging Onitsha-Oba Section of the Onitsha-Owerri Federal Highway in Anambra State. July 18, 2023.
* Urgent Need to Protect Meter Manufacturers in the ongoing National Mass Metering Programme of the Federal Government. July 20, 2023.
* Urgent Need to Upgrade the Eastern Rail Line (Traversing Port Harcourt-Enugu-Maiduguri) from Narrow Gauge Rail Rail to Standard Gauge Rail. November 14, 2023. A motion he garnered the solidarity of 35 other Senators from South South, South East , North Central, North West and North East as Co-Sponsors.
* Urgent Need to Investigate the National Social Investment Programme Cash Transfer during the last administration. December 19, 2023,
OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS:
1. Senator Umeh used his Office to facilitate the resolution of the dispute between his Constituent, Igwe Chukwuemeka Cyprian, a final year student of University of Abuja, and a native of Ichida in Anaocha L.G.A of Anambra State who was at the risk of losing his admission in the School.
2. Concerned over the incarceration of Nigerian citizens in Ethiopian Prisons, he made concerted efforts in the Senate, through the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission—NiDCOM to facilitate their freedom or repatriation.
3. He also facilitated the resolution of the dispute in the Abule Ado area of Festac, Lagos state where 677 houses were marked for complete demolition and 744 houses marked for partial demolition. But through his engagements with the Federal Housing Authority—FHA and the Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, as well as his strategic engagements in the Senate through the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development where he is the Vice Chairman, the disputes were resolved and demolitions suspended.
4. During his time as Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) experienced an unprecedented increment in the budget allocation for the Commission to enable it function more effectively.
5. Senator Victor Umeh on Friday July 7, 2023 visited the dreaded Oba Erosion Site which nearly splitted the Onitsha-Owerri expressway where he urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the erosion menace ravaging many communities in the south east especially in Anambra state. A gesture that yielded quick results as the fast spreading erosion was quickly contained and repressed.
6. Senator Victor Umeh on July 4, 2024 petitioned the Senate against the brutal murder of his Constituent, Mr Onyebuchi Anene, a native of Umuoroma village, Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, by an Officer of the Nigeria Police Force around Kubwa in Abuja Federal Capital Territory on May 22nd 2024. He challenged the brutality by the police and sought justice for the victim as well as a compensation for the bereaved family.
7. The Senator on March 26, 2024, visited the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the Consul General, Andrew Idi, received him, and he met and interacted with Nigerian representatives from South Africa and Swaziland discussing their challenges particularly immigration issues.
AWARD/RECOGNITION FOR GOOD PERFORMANCE
1. Senator Victor Umeh was in June 2024 named among the Top 10 Most Active Nigerian Senators in the 10th Senate by TALK OF THE TOWN Outfit, a body renowned for evaluation of the performance of Lawmakers. According to the Outfit, Senator Umeh has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to his duties, actively participating in plenary sessions, committee work, and sponsoring key legislation.
2. In December 2024, the Senate Press Corps specially recognized Senator Victor Umeh for his “Responsive Representation for Good Governance” with an Award of Excellence.
3. Senator Victor Umeh on December 14, 2024 received an Award from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter, recognising him as the Best Performing Senator in Anambra State.
4. The Senator in June 2024 received the United Nation’s Mayor For World Peace Award from the United Nation’s Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (UN-PEPOLAC) for his untiring advocacy for justice and fairness in governance as a bedrock for achieving a peaceful society.
PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES BY SENATOR VICTOR UMEH IN ANAMBRA CENTRAL
1. On January 18, 2024, Senator Umeh distributed over 124 metric tons of rice totaling 129,000 kilogram of rice (surpassing the 124000kilogram provided by the federal government by 5,000 kilogram), and this happened after he had shared 40milion naira worth of rice (626 bags of 50kg and over 600 bags of 25kg) and matched it with cash support as palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic recession on the good people of Anambra Central Senatorial District.
2. On September 5, 2024, the Senator offered Scholarships of Thirty Seven Million Naira (N37, 000, 000) to 223 less privileged students carefully selected from the 58 communities in Anambra Central Senatorial District, in a bid to empower the Youth through Education. This however, is in addition to the existing beneficiaries of Victor Umeh Education Foundation—VUMEF (through which hundreds of people have gained Education for free and graduated in various disciplines (including post graduates) from various Universities across Nigeria).
3. Recognizing the bites of economic hardship and increasing hunger due to food scarcity, the Senator on Thursday, July 25, 2024, attracted and distributed 50kg bags of fertilizer number about 1,200 to the various communities in Anambra Central particularly to indigenous farmers, urging them to indulge massively in farming to achieve bountiful harvest and food supply as well as economics benefits
4. To further demonstrate his support for farmer and encouraging the people of Anambra Central to indulge in agricultural activities, the Senator facilitated a Four Days Agricultural Training and Empowerment Programme to over 500 Constituents in collaboration with the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State. Participants after the training, were empowered with monetary incentives, livestock and other farming items/equipments.
JOB/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Senator Victor Umeh has made his office accessible to Constituents who seek his assistance especially those in need of job. Consequently, he has granted recommendations to many job seekers and as well, facilitated employment opportunities for lots of ndị Anambra Central in various Ministries and Agencies of Government.
CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS
Senator Victor Umeh in 2024 attracted 45 strategic projects and evenly distributed them to the various communities across the 7 Local Governments in Anambra Central. These projects include Construction of some very important roads within the Constituency; Construction of Classrooms in schools to upgrade learning environments for students; Construction of Primary Healthcare Facilities to ensure a better healthcare for ndị Anambra Central as well as Provision of Pipe-borne Water, Rural Roads Electrification, among others.
Nonetheless, the Senator has equally enlisted 51 key projects for the 2025 fiscal year which would further impact significantly on the lives of ndị Anambra Central and reposition the Constituency gainfully.
Congratulations Ohamadike Ndigbo!!
©️ Ohamadike Media Team
By BENSON EZUGWU
Mr Peter Obi, the 2023, Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Chairmen of South East caucus of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mr Martins Ugwu, Head of ADC media team in the state, said the meeting was a calculated show of regional alignment toward consolidating regional party structures.
According to him, the meeting was Obi’s first with the newly elected South East Chairman of the party in Enugu.
The meeting was not unconnected with Obi’s aspiration to contest the forthcoming ADC presidential primary and to strengthen cohesion, align leadership priorities, and deepen grassroots engagement across the South East zone.
Ugwu said the meeting focused on reinforcing internal party democracy, as well as harmonising state-level operations.
Among those present at the meeting were the Enugu State Chairman-elect, Prof. Augustine Akubue, alongside counterparts from Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states. (NAN)
…Insist 8-year tenure tradition stands
Thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.
The crowd, which surged for the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.
They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.
The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.
Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.
He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.
“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.
He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.
He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.
He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.
Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.
“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.
“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.
In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.
Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.
According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.
Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.
The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.
Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.
On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.
He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.
Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.
He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.
Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the 2027 presidential election will be his final outing, citing his age as the primary reason.
The former Vice President made this commitment on Wednesday during an appearance as a guest on the Arise Television programme, Prime Time.
Speaking during the interview, he said, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”
When asked why Nigerians should vote for him after so many attempts, especially considering his age, Atiku explained that since Nigeria faces a leadership crisis, he represents both the past and the future of the nation.
He recommended leadership training for young Nigerians, asserting that the country was in dire need of it.
Atiku has made multiple attempts to become Nigeria’s president since entering partisan politics.
He took his first shot at the presidency in 1993 during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, before stepping down for the late Moshood Abiola.
He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress (AC) banner, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
In 2011, the former Vice President contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries but lost the nomination to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He subsequently returned to the PDP to contest the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Most recently, in 2023, he again emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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