By Our Correspondent

A human rights organisation, Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, Anambra state chapter, Monday, commended the Senator representing Anambra State Central Senatorial Zone, Chief Victor Umeh, for championing the cause of the Igbo race.

Making the commendation in Awka, state capital, the group added that Umeh extended his rare display of patriotism, courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the welfare, wellbeing and best interest of Nigerians in general.

In a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, Comrade Chidi Mbah, Secretary, and Comrade Peter Oke, member, titled: “Future Generations Will Not Ask You Which Political Party You Belonged To, But What Did You Do When The Glaciers Were Melting,” CLO described Umeh as God-sent.

CLO stated that it has followed with keen interest and admiration the legislative and humanitarian interventions of Senator Umeh since his assumption of office, and has found him worthy of commendation.

“We wish to place on record our profound gratitude and appreciation to Senator Victor Umeh for championing the cause of socio-economic justice, equity, equality and egalitarianism in a country where injustice and inequality have become endemic.

“He has proven beyond reasonable doubt that politics should be about service to the people and not about self-aggrandizement. He is a fanatic when it comes to the welfare, security and prosperity of the people he represents and Nigerians at large,” CLO stated.

It said that history will be kind to Senator Umeh for being in the forefront of the prolonged struggle and legislative advocacy that led to the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

“At a time when many were silent, Senator Umeh spoke loudly, clearly and courageously. He moved motions, sponsored bills, organized stakeholders and mobilized his colleagues to understand why SEDC was not a favour but a necessity and a matter of justice for a zone ravaged by civil war, abandoned after the war and devastated by erosion. Today, SEDC is a reality. Future generations of Ndi Igbo will remember his role,” the Organisation noted.

CLO also recalled with appreciation, Senator Umeh’s timely intervention against the indiscriminate demolition of shops and business premises belonging to Igbos in some parts of the country, particularly in Lagos.

“He refused to be silent in the face of oppression. He stood with the traders, visited them, raised the matter on the floor of the Senate and demanded justice and compensation. That is what true representation means.

“Similarly, when the Onitsha Bridge Head Drug market, one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in Africa, was closed for months, subjecting traders, patients and the entire health sector to untold hardship, Senator Umeh was among the first to condemn the prolonged closure and to call for a more humane, dialogue-driven and regulatory approach rather than collective punishment”, he revealed.

The human rights body noted that in the Senate, Senator Umeh has consistently spoken against every intended marginalization or exclusion of the Southeast in the national budget, Federal infrastructure allocation, political appointments, and security architecture.

“His eagle eyes and courageous voice have ensured that many items that would have been omitted or under-allocated to the Southeast were restored. His interventions have helped tremendously in ensuring that what is legitimately and constitutionally due to the Southeast is not denied. He has made the Southeast to be seen, heard and counted,” CLO added.

CLO further disclosed that Senator Umeh, alongside Senator Osita Izunaso, jointly raised a motion of urgent national importance on the devastating erosion menace in the Southeast, describing erosion as the greatest ecological threat to the survival of the zone.

“That motion is today receiving urgent and immediate attention from the Federal Government and development partners. Likewise, when the Southeast was initially excluded from the National Railway Modernization Programme, Senator Umeh spoke vehemently against such exclusion, describing it as unjust and economically unwise. His protest and legislative lobbying led to the prompt inclusion of the Southeast in the railway master plan,” the statement said.

CLO stated further that Senator Umeh believes strongly in the timeless wisdom of global icon Dr. Nelson Mandela who said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” and “To educate the children of the poor is to liberate them from poverty.”

“It is on record that Senator Umeh’s educational empowerment is unequalled. Thousands of students in Anambra Central have benefited from his scholarship scheme, bursary awards for undergraduates,free JAMB/ WAEC registration, distribution of educational materials, school uniforms, desks, and facilitation of classroom blocks and ICT centres. He understands that to invest in education is to invest in the future,” CLO noted.

Beyond legislation, CLO said Senator Umeh has distinguished himself in constituency projects and humanitarian services.

“His road construction and rehabilitation projects across the seven local government areas of Anambra Central speak for themselves. Communities that were hitherto inaccessible are now connected.

“More touching is his housing programme for indigent widows. He has built and donated fully furnished bungalows to poor widows who had no roof over their heads, thereby restoring their dignity and hope.

“He has also rendered and is still rendering selfless services to various religious organizations, Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches, to schools, hospitals, youth organizations and the less privileged. He does not discriminate,” CLO stated.

CLO concluded that Senator Umeh has lived beyond expectations and has redefined legislative representation in Nigeria.

“He has shown that a legislator should be a legislator of the people, by the people and for the people. He has shown that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to speak truth to power despite fear.

We therefore call on other political leaders, Senators, members of House of Representatives, State Assembly members, Local Government vhairmen and political appointees, to emulate Senator Victor Umeh’s model of selfless, courageous, people-oriented and God-fearing leadership.

“Posterity will not ask us which political party we belonged to. Posterity will ask us what we did when our people were suffering, when our region was marginalized and when our democracy was threatened,” CLO concluded.

By David Owei

National Executive and Board of Trustees of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline-Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA) have celebrated with High Chief Dr. Akpos Mezeh Andy, Ph.D. over his Birthday.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh Andy, Ph.D. is the General Manager, Community Relations/Consultant, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

The HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, in a statement issued in Abuja and made available to newsmen via electronic mail and signed by SNR. COMR. EMMANUEL FIAWEI PATHFINDER (GEN. OSAMA), said the council decided to celebrate an outstanding patriot, senior comrade, one of the pioneer leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), and a distinguished son of the Niger Delta whose contributions to the Ijaw Nation and host communities remain worthy of recognition.

According to the council, “High Chief Dr. Akpos Mezeh Andy has distinguished himself through his commitment to the emancipation, self-determination, resource-control struggle and socio-economic advancement of the Ijaw people.”

“From his service as Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, to his pioneering leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council in the United Kingdom diaspora, he played a significant pivotal role in mobilising Ijaw sons and daughters in solidarity with the late former Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, DSP’ during a critical period in the Niger Delta struggle.”

“His steadfast advocacy reflected the determination of the Ijaw people to demand justice, equitable resource control and an end to the marginalisation of Oil and Gas-producing communities.”

“His contributions to community relations, employment opportunities, youth and women empowerment, with host communities student scholarship scheme, and community infrastructure developmental initiatives through the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited is highly commendable, overwhelming and can not be overemphasize, and welfare of the host-community indigenes further underscore his enduring commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region, and the Oil and Gas producing Communities.”

“In recognition of the celebrant’s landmark contributions to the Ijaw Nation, host communities producing oil and gas, and the Niger Delta region at large.”

“We pray for renewed strength, sound health, divine wisdom and greater accomplishments as he continues to serve humanity and contribute to peace, development and prosperity across the region.”

“Happy birthday to a distinguished patriot and outstanding proud son of the Ijaw Nation, and the Niger Delta.”

By David Owei

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, have praised the former Military Administrator of the state, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (Retd.), for his role in guiding Bayelsa through a critical period of its history.

Dr. Jonathan and Governor Diri gave the commendation over the weekend at the funeral of Obi’s father, Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi, held at Okubuchi-Irruan in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The former President, who acknowledged Edor Obi’s discipline, calmness and friendly disposition, commended him for maintaining his relationship with Bayelsa and its people after leaving office in 1999.

Jonathan described the funeral as a celebration of the life of Pa Benedict Obi, who died at the age of 100, and prayed for longevity and good health for members of the bereaved family.

Jonathan said, “One unique attribute that Colonel Obi has, he must have gotten it from the father: discipline, calmness, friendliness, very friendly person.

“With that kind of calm disposition, peaceful nature, and friendly disposition, he was able to manage the very tense situation in the state, conducted the election peacefully and managed us until he handed over to Chief Alamieyeseigha.”

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, Governor Diri said Obi occupied an enduring place in Bayelsa’s history, having served as Military Administrator between July 1998 and May 1999 and handed over power to the state’s first elected governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, on May 29, 1999.

Governor Diri also commended Obi for maintaining his ties with Bayelsa after leaving office, describing the Obi family as one with which the state shared a historic bond.

He said the late Pa Benedict Obi’s 100 years of life provided another reason to celebrate the values that produced a son who served the state at a critical moment in its history.

The governor while extending the condolences of the Government and people of Bayelsa, expressed hope that the legacy of the deceased would continue through his children and the values he transmitted to succeeding generations.

His words: “Bayelsa State does not come to Okubuchi Irruan as a stranger. We come as a people with a historic bond with this family.
Papa’s distinguished son, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi, served Bayelsa State as Military Administrator at a particularly delicate period in the history of our dear state and our nation.

“Although his tenure was relatively brief, he was entrusted with the weighty responsibility of maintaining stability in a young state at a time of considerable tension across the Niger Delta.

“To live for one hundred years is a rare gift from God. To fill those years with service, industry, leadership and faith is rarer still. Pa Sir Benedict Apie Obi answered the call of his country as a soldier during a difficult period in our national history. After his military service, he returned to the land and distinguished himself, creating opportunities and livelihoods for many.”

Also speaking, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem and the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, all eulogized the late Pa Benedict Obi for his contributions to his community and the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Lt Col. Paul Obi (Retd), thanked the Bayelsa Government, Dr. Jonathan and other members of the delegation for identifying with his family, saying the presence of several former officials who served under his administration reflected his enduring relationship with the state.

The former military administrator said he regarded himself as a citizen of Bayelsa despite being from Cross River State by birth.

Dignitaries who accompanied Dr Peter Akpe to the funeral ceremony included the former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), Leader of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Monday Bubou-Obolo, Chief Whip, Hon Michael Ogbara, the paramount ruler of Oloibiri Clan, King Amalate Turner, his Atissa counterpart, King Victor Awala, former Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Lady Grace Fiepere, among others.