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
A faction of the African Democratic Congress has unveiled businessman, Prof. Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections following the conclusion of the party’s nationwide primary elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had last week emerged as the presidential candidate of the party after defeating ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a primary election held across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
But on Sunday, the faction led by Bala Gombe also presented flags to 29 governorship candidates across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Speaking during the formal presentation of the candidates in Abuja, the party’s factional National Chairman, Bala Gombe, said the presidential ticket was zoned to Southern Nigeria in line with the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and federal character.
According to him, three aspirants initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the presidential ticket.
“They were Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba,” he said.
Gombe explained that the party adopted the consensus option provided under the Electoral Act, leading to the emergence of Uba as its sole presidential candidate after the withdrawal of the other aspirants.
“In adherence to the principle of federal character and in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognizes consensus as a lawful mode for the selection or nomination of candidates by political parties, the African Democratic Congress adopted consensus as the method for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primary election.
“Pursuant to this provision and in the interest of party unity, two of the party’s presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the contest and endorsed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
“Consequently, Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent ADC as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections.”
He added that the party was formally unveiling all candidates who emerged from its internal democratic processes across various elective positions.
“Furthermore, in the spirit of humility, transparency, and profound respect for our members, stakeholders, and the general public, the leadership of ADC is pleased to formally present and unveil the comprehensive list of candidates duly nominated and elected under our platform.
“This list comprises the ADC presidential candidate, as well as the governorship candidates across 29 states of the federation, all of whom emerged through the party’s constitutionally approved internal democratic processes,” he said.
Among those presented as governorship candidates were Muhammad Usman Shuwa (Adamawa), Idris Adamu Yanoko (Kano), Shamsudin Muhammad (Kaduna), Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi (Zamfara), Babagana Mala (Borno), Musliu Babadele (Lagos), Ganiyu Alabi (Ogun), Rukayya Salami (Osun), Gbenga Gbenga (Oyo), Gada Suswan (Benue), Dijatu Abdul Salam (Nasarawa) and Christopher Benjo (Delta).
Gombe said the party had successfully concluded primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions nationwide.
“In furtherance of our commitment to ensure full participation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections by fielding credible, qualified, and constitutionally compliant candidates across all elective positions, we are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of all our party primaries.
“The entire process was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, and the ADC Constitution and Electoral Guidelines, fostering unity and cordiality among all stakeholders. May Allah grant us wisdom, guidance, and resounding victory in all the elections. Ameen,” he added.
The unveiling comes as political parties begin positioning for the 2027 general elections, with consultations, coalition talks and internal realignments already gathering momentum across the country’s political landscape.
Founded in 2005, the ADC has positioned itself as an alternative political platform and has participated in successive general elections. The party has in recent years sought to expand its national footprint by attracting new members and strengthening its structures across the states.
Politics
2027 Presidential Poll: NDC endorses Obi, names Kwankwaso running mate, vows to end insecurity
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially endorsed former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The affirmation took place at a special convention held in Abuja on Saturday, where party delegates and leaders ratified Obi as the party’s flagbearer.
The motion for his endorsement was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
Moments after his endorsement, Obi announced former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate, describing him as a genuine partner in governance rather than a ceremonial deputy.
In his acceptance speech, Obi thanked party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his belief that “a New Nigeria is possible.”
“I humbly accept this responsibility as the presidential candidate of our party,” Obi declared.
He expressed gratitude to party leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee, and supporters who travelled from across the country to witness the convention.
“This moment is bigger than my personal ambition,” Obi said.
“It concerns the soul of our nation and the future of our children. It is about restoring hope to millions of Nigerians who have endured hardship but remain committed to the promise of this country.”
Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current realities, citing insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and declining public confidence in governance.
“Families are anxious about their safety, parents fear for the future of their children, and talented young Nigerians increasingly doubt the possibility of opportunity in their own country,” he said.
“Businesses are struggling, communities are hurting, and many citizens have lost faith in governance. Yet, I stand here filled with hope and confidence in the resilience of our people because a New Nigeria is within reach.”
The NDC presidential candidate outlined key policy priorities for his proposed administration, including security, national unity, power supply, healthcare, education, and employment generation.
On youth unemployment and economic development, Obi stressed the need for urgent intervention.
“Our vast pool of talented youth remains significantly underemployed. The official unemployment figures do not reflect reality. The actual rates of unemployment and underemployment exceed 30 percent, while youth unemployment is above 40 percent — among the highest globally,” he said.
To address the challenge, Obi pledged support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tax incentives, affordable credit, and improved access to financing in agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and distribution sectors.
“These interventions will be measurable, transparent, and accountable,” he assured.
Addressing corruption and governance costs, Obi promised prudent and transparent management of public resources.
“Nigerians will witness a measurable reduction in corruption and the basic costs of governance,” he stated.
“Public funds will be managed with transparency, prudence, and accountability to ensure every naira delivers value to the people.”
He further pledged to strengthen democratic institutions and promote tolerance of political opposition.
“Democracy under our leadership will reflect true government of the people, by the people, and for the people — free from interference by the ruling party,” Obi said.
“We will cultivate a culture of respect for opposition parties and encourage constructive collaboration in governance.”
The endorsement of Obi and the emergence of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket are expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Politics
Turaki-led PDP outsmarts Wike, changes convention venue after police barricade, ratifies Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate
The Turaki-led PDP changed the venue of its convention on Saturday and briskly ratified former president Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The move was after the group was barred by the police from accessing the A Class Hotel in Abuja, initially rented for its convention.
The event, which did not last more than 20 minutes, had an ally of Jonathan, Fred Agbedi, who received the certificate on behalf of the former president.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Prof Jerry Gana, Tanimu Turaki, Adolphus Wabara, and several others who are loyal to Turaki.
The police had used several of their vans to completely block the two access roads leading off from the Wuse and Maitama axis, into the premises of the previously rented event centre.
The blockage deprived access to both PDP members loyal to Turaki and other road users who have nothing to do with the planned convention
The development comes following Friday’s warning to hotels and event centres by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allow illegal political parties or organisations to use their resources for the sake of security in the FCT.
In response, the PDP, in a statement, accused Wike of attempting to halt its planned event.
According to the statement, the party said the management of A Class Event Centre informed it that pressure was being mounted on the venue to stop the gathering from taking place.
The PDP said it had already paid for the venue and fulfilled all conditions required for the programme.
The party also said security agencies had been notified of the convention scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Wuse 2, Abuja.
The party insisted that the convention would proceed despite what it described as intimidation. (ChannelsTV)
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