By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra Central People’s Forum, a socio-cultural organization, has poured out accolades and praises on Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, as he marks his first year in office in the senate.
In a Press Release made available to journalists in Awka Monday, and signed by its Chairman, Achebe Chris (Esq), the organization commended Senator Umeh’s numerous achievements, efforts, and sacrifices made for the progress, growth, and development of the district and beyond.
According to the forum, Senator Umeh’s first year in office had been marked by productive representation, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of his constituents and the nation at large.
The organization lauded Senator Umeh’s efforts in promoting the interests of his constituents, stating that “we earnestly believe that the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone is indeed fortunate to have Senator Victor Umeh as its representative in the Senate.”
Senator Umeh was described as a champion of democracy, who had consistently demonstrated his resolve to deepen democratic values and principles .
“Senator Victor Umeh has proven himself to be a worthy representative of the people, and his achievements in the past year are a testament to his dedication and hard work,” Achebe said.
The forum highlighted some of Senator Umeh’s achievements, including the facilitation of developmental projects in the senatorial zone, such as healthcare facilities, and educational infrastructure.
Senator Umeh’s empowerment programmes for youths and women were also commended, with the forum noting that those initiatives had improved the socio-economic well-being of the people in the senatorial zone.
“We earnestly believe that the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone in the country’s political configuration had not lacked a forceful and credible voice of persuasion with your sojourn in the Senate”, the statement noted.
Describing Senator Umeh as a courageous and result-oriented representative, the group noted how Umeh quickly rose to the occasion to prevent the expulsion of Igwe Chukwuemeka Cyprian, a final year undergraduate of University of Abuja who hails from Ichida, Anambra State.
Achebe said,“Most recently, we heard the harrowing story of the embattled Igwe Chukwuemeka Cyprian. When he cried out for help, you( Umeh) did not turn deaf ears. You let the disenchanted victim(Constituent) know that his voice counts.
“Indeed, the voice of every Nigerian counts, and the 10th Senate lent its ears to them. You were alive to your responsibility to those whom you serve, and you engaged with them on their terms.
“This was ground-breaking. It should be a matter of pride to all 109 Senators and to our worthy Representative that, in the hallowed Senate Chamber, you put humanity first. We will always be proud of the humaneness of the 10th Senate; a Legislature with a human face, the personal touch moved by the milk of human kindness”.
Çontinuing, Achebe added,“Whenever the situation demanded, you left the edifice of the National Assembly to tackle pressing social issues at the very heart of the communities most affected. You showed that parliament belongs to the people, and that there should be no barrier between lawmakers and those they represent. Notable among these were the one of your major acts upon inauguration which was the visitation on Friday, July 7, 2023 to the dreaded Oba Erosion site which nearly splitted the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
“At the tragic development, you said you would help end the devastation, and you kept the promise. You not only dialogued for solutions with the relevant Federal Government Agencies and the Senate – We saw the positive outcome. It must have been a grand burst of eloquence! This is both record-shattering and record-setting. You have made your mark here and the record reflects it.
“I am avid stakeholder and proud to be and will maintain the strong position to partner with Senator (Dr.) Victor Umeh to achieve all the goals and targets of taking Anambra Central Senatorial Zone to the next level of development and prosperity. The Anambra Central People’s Forum must collaborate to do that”.
Also speaking, one of the patrons of the Igbo socio-cultural organization and erstwhile President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter, High Chief (Engr.) Prof. Philip Nwabueze Atanmo, praised Umeh’s efforts in the 10th Senate, stating that the lawmaker’s pivotal and landmark motion on ”Urgent Need to Upgrade the Eastern Rail Line(traversing Port Harcourt to Maiduguri) from Narrow Gauge Rail to Standard Gauge Rail” had remained impressive.
Atanmo said that Umeh, as a Federal lawmaker, is outstanding, and remained a leading light in every facet of his senatorial duties, whether to his constituency or in his Committees’ duties as well as his usual articulate contributions to Senate debates.
Atanmo said,“As a Senatorial Zone, we will continue to be proud of your insightful contributions towards realizing the dream of a vibrant legislature that is fully aware of its rights, duties and responsibilities to Nigerians, and committed to upholding and discharging them in an equitable manner without fear or favour.
“I can attest to your sterling accomplishments in terms of infrastructural and human capital development and these laudable achievements will continue to inspire many in nation building.
“As we commemorate this milestone, I join your family, political associates, constituents and admirers to congratulate you, my dear brother and friend, Senator (Dr.) Victor Umeh, *OFR,* on the occasion of your one year in the 10th Senate anniversary.
“It is our prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health and many more years of great accomplishments”, he added.
Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of the association, Dr. Uchechukwu Okeke (JP),said, “We rejoice with Ohamadike Ndigbo, and shall continue to support his quest in providing quality representation and selfless service to Ndigbo.
Okeke said, “His sterling accomplishments in the 10th Senate which will take big volumes to be compiled, is an eye opener to the people of Anambra Central and the entire South-East geo-political Zone of what a visionary, purposeful, dynamic and progressive Senator could do in lawmaking, democratic governance and delivery of democratic dividends”.
