Jonathan has given Ndigbo new life —Umeh

Chief Victor Umeh is National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and currently, the candidate of the party for the Anambra Central senatorial election. In this interview, he answers questions on several political issues of the moment. Excerpts:

This is the first time you are seeking elective position. Can you tell us what inspired you because you are still the national chairman of APGA?

My contesting for Anambra senatorial constituency came as a result of several calls from various groups within the senatorial districts that  I should represent them because they believe that I will offer them better representation at the Senate.

Secondly, I accepted to run because after my participation as a delegate at the national conference, I discovered that there is still much to do. As a delegate of the conference, I was among the other South East delegates who championed decisions that would restore the people and bring them to an acceptable position in the Nigerian politics; particularly addressing the structural disadvantage Ndigbo have suffered over the years as a result of the war.

We were able to secure a very important side into the national conference, including the creation of an additional state in the South East to increase the number of states in the South East to six.

We were able to let our voices over the funds that are meant for the local governments in the states. At the conclusion of the conference, it became obvious that if the resolutions are addressed, it will be included in the constitution of the state.

We were able to reach those resolutions because we know the disadvantages that out people have been suffering over the years.

The president has consistently promised to implement the resolutions of the national conference and so there is hope that things would change for better if Jonathan comes back as president in 2015.

Apart from that, another national chairman of APGA would emerge soon because my tenure would soon end and so I decided to go to Senate and I wish to work for my people and the good of Nigeria and contributing to national growth and also assist in making good governance for Nigeria.

Those are the reasons why I am in the race and as a result of a clarion call from my follower ship. The people are happy with the present situation in the state. APGA has restored sanity to Anambra state. The present governor is doing very well to restore security of lives and properties.

The South East has backed President Jonathan through thick and thin. Is he really the right choice for Ndigbo?

For a people that have lost so much over the years, it will be very difficult for them to really see that they are making improvement in their lives. Under Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, the Igbos have received a new lease of life. For instance, the Enugu airport is now an international airport so much that you can fly to any part of the world from there. It wasn’t like that in the past. It will not be nice for us to take for granted remarkable improvements that we have recorded under President Jonathan’s administration.

via: vangurd