Nosike Hails Senator Umeh’s Legislative Record At 64

Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Senate, marked his 64th birthday on Sunday, with public affairs analyst Dr. Harvey O. Nosike reflecting on his political journey and contributions to lawmaking, education and democratic governance.

In a tribute titled: “Victor Umeh: A Pragmatic Legislator at 64,” Nosike described Umeh as an experienced politician whose years in public office have been marked by legislative engagement, constituency representation and advocacy on national issues.

According to the analyst, Umeh, born on July 19, 1962, has focused on attracting constituency projects to Anambra Central while facilitating employment opportunities for some constituents through his representation in the National Assembly.

Nosike also highlighted Umeh’s interest in education through the Victor Umeh Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to indigent but academically gifted students, particularly in Anambra State, while extending support to beneficiaries from other parts of the country. He said the initiative reflects the senator’s belief in education as a tool for human capital development and economic growth.

The tribute further noted Umeh’s support for educational infrastructure and his advocacy for policies aimed at expanding learning opportunities for young Nigerians.

Nosike recalled the senator’s recent commendation of security agencies following the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. Umeh had praised the operation and commended the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, for the successful rescue mission.

The analyst observed that although Umeh is a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), he has at times supported federal government initiatives he considers beneficial to Nigerians while also criticising policies he believes do not serve the national interest. As an example, he cited Umeh’s opposition to the exclusion of the South-East from the country’s high-pressure gas pipeline project despite the region’s gas reserves and industrial potential.

Nosike also described Umeh as a consistent advocate on issues relating to equity, inclusion and the rule of law throughout his political career.

Reviewing his political trajectory, the analyst noted that Umeh began his political career in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as Treasurer in Anambra State, before joining the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he rose to become the party’s National Chairman.

He added that Umeh first won election to represent Anambra Central in 2015 but only assumed office after successfully reclaiming his mandate through the courts during the Eighth Senate.

According to Nosike, Umeh later joined the Labour Party alongside former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and won election to the Senate in 2023. Following internal disputes within the Labour Party and later the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he moved to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where he has secured the party’s ticket to seek re-election in the 2027 general election.

The tribute also highlighted Umeh’s advocacy for electoral integrity, democratic governance and the rule of law, noting that his Christian faith has remained an important aspect of his public life.