The traditional ruler of Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty Obidiewgwu Onyesoh has endorsed the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), candidate for Anambra central senatorial district, Chief Victor Umeh, for the forthcoming elections.

He gave the assurance while hosting Umeh in his palace at the weekend.

Though, Nri is the home town of the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, who is also contesting for the same seat as Umeh, said that Umeh was a ripe corn fit for the position.

“You have paid the price in politics, bearing the brunt most of the times, Those pursuing you will go to bed before the chicken. No matter what happens, the winner remains the winner. I will continue to support you with prayers am we are also praying for a successful elections.

“With the eye, you will know a ripe corn. We are behind you, and whatever your heart desire is, God will do it for you. You are one man with a strong desire for the liberation of the Igbos. You are always in the fore front for the course of the Igbos. You deserve to be elected because you have done so much for Anambra State and the Igbo nation.

“I hereby bless you so that you will succeed in your endeavour and by the next time you visit this palace, I will address you as my distinguished senator,” the traditional ruler promised.

The monarch also prayed for peaceful general elections, reminding Ndi Igbo that they are not known to be bad losers and therefore should ensure that peace reigns before, during and after the elections.

In his speech, Umeh said his decision to go to the senate was based on his zeal to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the national conference of which he was an active member.

He said: “When I was at the national conference, my eyes were opened to a lot of things and that was when I saw the real Nigeria. Igbo are major stakeholders in Nigeria, but because of the civil war, we were relegated to the background.

“In the states and local government’s creation exercises, Igbo were made to become a minority such that we are the only geo-political zone with five states and the least number of local government areas.

“Because of the federal character, we get the least from the Federation Account. We believe that such a thing should not continue and that is why I championed the creation of an additional state for the Igbo and to abolish the local government system from the constitution.

“If elected, I won’t just be a senator for Anambra Central, but a senator for the Igbo. I will fight to make sure the Igbos get their due share in the polity. The time has come for us to be in the position where we rightly belong and not be relegated to the background.”

•Photo shows Victor Umeh.

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