In an exclusive interview, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, shared his views on key issues affecting the Southeast region. From the Southeast Governors’ pledge to fund Ohanaeze Ndigbo to the continued detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the exclusion of the Eastern Rail Line from Nigeria’s budget, the lawmaker didn’t hold back.
Governors’ Pledge to Fund Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Speaking on the Southeast Governors’ commitment to fund the Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Umeh expressed optimism, noting that the move would address long-standing funding issues faced by the group. He stated, “We don’t want to give room for complaints about lack of funds. Previous Ohanaeze leaders, like the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, faced funding challenges. This pledge gives the leadership a chance to succeed.”
However, Umeh dismissed fears of political interference, emphasizing the need for the new Ohanaeze leadership to remain independent and prioritize Igbo interests. “The governors are politicians, but the Ohanaeze serves the Igbo people. Their activities must be guided by Igbo interests, not political affiliations,” he added.
Immediate Priorities for Ohanaeze Leadership
When asked about the urgent challenges facing Ohanaeze, Umeh pointed to the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a top priority. “One of the first tasks for the new leadership is to join the call for Kanu’s release. His detention is unjustified, and his release would help address the security challenges in the Southeast,” he said.
Umeh argued that criminals exploiting Kanu’s detention as an excuse for kidnappings and killings would be exposed once he is released. “Releasing Kanu will force us to confront the true criminals, separating them from genuine agitators,” he stated.
Exclusion of the Eastern Rail Line from Federal Budgets
The Senator expressed frustration over the continued exclusion of the Eastern Rail Line, which runs from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, from federal budgets. He recalled his efforts since 2018 to include the project, emphasizing its importance to the Southeast.
“I’ve sponsored motions in the Senate, with 35 other senators supporting me, yet the Eastern Rail Line remains excluded. Even with President Tinubu’s promises, what we see is rehabilitation of narrow-gauge lines, not the construction of the standard-gauge rail line we demanded,” Umeh lamented.
He contrasted this with significant investments in rail projects in other regions, such as the recently approved $254 million for the Kaduna-Kano standard-gauge rail project. “These disparities highlight the marginalization of the Southeast, the very issue Nnamdi Kanu has been fighting against,” Umeh said.
A Call for Fairness and Equity
Umeh reiterated his support for Kanu’s struggle against Igbo marginalization, calling for equity and fairness in governance. “Ndigbo are willing to work for Nigeria’s prosperity, but we deserve to be treated fairly. The authorities must address the injustices faced by the Southeast,” he said.
He urged the new Ohanaeze leadership to remain focused and committed, warning against distractions from their mandate to champion Igbo interests. “Their success depends on their ability to prioritize the needs of Ndigbo above all else,” Umeh concluded.
The Senator’s passionate remarks underscore the critical issues facing the Southeast and the need for collective action to address them.
