By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has commended Senator Victor Umeh for his patriotism, humanitarian interventions and commitment to promoting the common good, describing him as a statesman whose contributions extend beyond his senatorial district.
The human rights organisation said Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, had distinguished himself through selfless service, compassion and willingness to respond to the challenges and suffering of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of their geographical location.
Afrilensnews reports that CLO gave the commendation in a statement issued in Awka and jointly signed by its Chairman, Vincent Ezekwueme, and Secretary, Chidi Mbah on Wednesday, following the senator’s intervention in the demolition of houses in the Abule Ado area of Festac, Lagos State.
According to the organisation, Umeh, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, played a decisive role in engaging the committee and other relevant stakeholders to address the situation and prevent further demolitions that could have rendered more families homeless.
The group said his intervention facilitated constructive engagements that resulted in the suspension of further demolitions and ensured that adequate compensation was paid to affected property owners.
It noted that the intervention helped restore hope, peace, dignity and confidence among affected families, adding that the senator demonstrated that effective representation should not be restricted by geographical boundaries.
“This singular act has restored confidence of Nigerians in the National Assembly as a place where the cries of the common man can be heard. Many senators would have ignored it because it was outside their zone, but Senator Umeh proved that humanity comes before constituency,” the statement said.
CLO also praised Umeh’s scholarship programme, disclosing that 326 students studying in various tertiary institutions across the country had benefited from financial assistance worth approximately N64 million.
The organisation observed that the intervention had helped many students whose academic pursuits were threatened by financial difficulties to continue their education.
It further disclosed that more than 2,400 persons had benefited from the senator’s scholarship scheme since its inception.
Describing Umeh as the People’s Senator and a rare breed in Nigerian politics, CLO said his pro-people bills, motions, humanitarian interventions and empowerment programmes had earned him a special place in the hearts of many Nigerians.
The organisation urged politicians, corporate organisations, captains of industry and well-meaning individuals to emulate the senator’s approach to public service, which it described as driven by compassion, selflessness and patriotism.
“We call on the political class, corporate organisations, captains of industry and public-spirited individuals to emulate Senator Victor Umeh’s brand of politics – politics of service, compassion, selflessness and uncommon patriotism, so as to make our good better and our better best.
“Nigeria needs more Victor Umehs to heal our land,” the statement added.
CLO prayed for God’s continued protection, guidance and strength for the senator, expressing hope that he would continue to contribute to the development of Anambra Central, Anambra State, Igboland and Nigeria.
