By Tony Okafor, Awka
Valentine Obienyem, a media consultant to the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has hailed the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, describing him as the Cicero of our time.
Obienyem who made the commendation after observe Umeh speak at Aguluzigbo during a Thanksgiving service by the Senator, described Umeh as a great man.
Obienyem said, “Cicero was to the Romans what Demosthenes was to the Greeks. They remain models of exemplary oratory. Cicero used his fiery rhetoric to arouse men to action.
“It was in his speech presenting Catiline as, in intent and purpose, a patricide determined to kill their common fatherland- Rome that roused opposition against Catiline.
“Just a few moments ago, after the thanksgiving mass at Aguluzigbo, Senator Victor Umeh spoke at length during the thank-you speech. We shall give his speech enough time.
“While upholding gratitude as a virtue he learnt from Archbishop Valerian Okeke, his speech reminded us of what Cicero said: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”
“Indeed, his speech was heartfelt. It was, if permitted, an outpouring of emotion that ended up eliciting the emotion of love from those who listened to him.
” I was touched by what he said, and I can tell you that only a heart of stone was not moved, perhaps even to tears.”
