The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District Victor Umeh has been described as a man of impeccable character, integrity and an astute legislator.
In a statement marking Umeh’s birthday, Dr Okoye Ukachukwu, a public affairs analyst said that Senator Victor Umeh who turns 61 on 19th July 2023, will add value to the 10th Senate, the most diversified Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since the return of democracy on 29th May 1999, comprising eight political parties.
“With the likes of Umeh, fondly called Ohamadike by his admirers, in the Senate, Nigerians expect robust debates on crucial national issues, independence of the Senate, by extension the National Assembly in the spirit and doctrine of separation of powers for effective governance, people-oriented laws and promotion of national unity, security and prosperity,” he said.
He added that Umeh who abhors injustice and resists oppression and suppression and have been persecuted severally in his onerous task to seek justice for his fellow compatriots will remain a credible voice for the common man in the Senate who desire and deserve a fair deal from their government to assuage the pain and hardship inflicted on them by the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy.
“A statesman with a heart of gold, Umeh will present bills, move motions, speak for the people and once more, execute numerous constituency projects, empower indigent women and youth in Anambra Central in particular and Anambra State in general as obtainable in the 8th Senate he served for 18 months due to elongated litigations arising from the charade called 2015 senatorial poll in the zone where his mandate was brazenly stolen and restored by election tribunals and the courts. Ohamadike distinguished himself in the 8th Senate where he served as Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, member Committee on Finance; Trade and Investment; Land and Housing; Petroleum Resources (upstream); Culture and Tourism; Environment and Land Transport. He sponsored the motion, ‘The Urgent Need To Include The Eastern Rail Lines In The Nigerian Railway Development Project’, supported the proposed minimum wage for workers, advocated for immunity for the legislature and the judiciary, and restructuring of the nation.
“Umeh strongly opposed the exclusion of the South East and South South in the constitution of the board of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on 11th December 2018 and urged the Senate to step down the consideration of the report on the screening of then President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees pending when the lopsidedness in the appointment would be addressed to reflect the Federal Character principle provided in 1999 constitution as amended. His observation was noted and transmitted to Buhari who amended the EFCC board to reflect Federal Character. He also intervened in the Federal Government’s planned downgrade of Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu on 23rd October 2018.
“An ardent believer in social justice and equity, Umeh sponsored a motion on the exclusion of the South East from the National Defence and the National Security Councils and argued that the exclusion of the zone was inappropriate and a flagrant violation of the provisions of the 1999 constitution, Senate concurred and urged Buhari to do the needful in national interest,” he said.
He added that the people of Anambra Central voted for freedom, remarkable, efficient, dynamic and progressive representation in the Senate. “They want their voice to be heard, their needs presented and solutions proffered in their efforts to deepen the nation’s democracy. South East geopolitical zone long marginalized by successive governments will breathe fresh air of effective representation and lasting solution to the myriad of challenges facing the zone,” he stated.
