Praise Chinecherem
Labour Party (LP) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sen. Victor Umeh has urged opponents to play politics by the rules by refraining from hate speeches.
Umeh made the call in Awka at the inauguration of the state executive committee of the Victor Umeh Solidarity Network (VUSON), a support group working for his emergence as senator in 2023.
He said he was in the race to represent his constituency, make laws and attract development projects that would enhance the welfare of his people.
According to him, he is not in the contest to castigate or fabricate lies or to tarnish the image of his opponents.
Umeh cited a case where a female opponent had been alleging that he demanded for money before working for the immediate past and present governors of Anambra in the Nov. 6, 2021 gubernatorial election.
“Dr Willie Obiano and Gov. Chukwuma Soludo did not give me any money. I spent my own money to work for Soludo, and I worked very hard for his victory.
“You cannot continue to tell lies, blackmail or damage the reputation of another person because you want to run for a political position. I do not play that kind of politics.
“All I want is to go to the Senate and make good laws for the benefit of Nigerians but my opponents are jittery, and have resorted to fabricating all manner of propaganda against me.
” I urge them to play by the rules and refrain from such hate speeches. It is not good for our polity,’’ he stressed.
Umeh said he achieved a lot in the 17 months he had spent in the Senate as he sponsored motions that brought rapid and meaningful development to his constituency.
He urged members of VUSON and the electorate to rally support for him to realise his ambition of representing the district in the Senate.
“In my 17 months in the Senate, I attracted 68 projects, 58 were completed in various communities; I awarded at least 70 scholarships to help students to pursue studies in tertiary institutions.
“I am capable of achieving more and I promise to speak for the people and contribute meaningfully to debates, ensure effective legislative intervention that will drive national development,’’ he said.
Earlier, Coordinator, VUSON, Mr Francis Ekpone promised that the group would work hard to ensure Sen. Umeh emerged victorious at the polls.
Ekpone said Umeh was a tested and trusted candidate who facilitated employment for many youths and instituted a scholarship scheme for brilliant students of tertiary education in his constituency.
“We urge residents to go and get their Permanent Voter Cards to vote in Sen. Umeh at the general elections
“Our collective sacrifice is that Umeh should win and represent Anambra Central Senatorial district; we pledge the readiness to work for his success in 2023.
“We are also committed to ensuring that Mr Peter Obi is elected as the next president of Nigeria,’’ he said.
