Umeh begs Ndigbo over non-fulfilment of promises
The National Chairman of the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, has apologised to the Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth wing, over his inability to fulfil his promises to the group during their sports festival held in November, last year.
This is coming as he doled out N.5 million to the group to settle some of the outstanding debts incurred during the sports tournament that was marred by apathy, just as the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and the son of the late Igbo warlord, Chief Chukwuemeka Ojukwu Jnr., declined from the sponsorship of the tournament.
Umeh had promised the youths that he would sponsor the maiden sports tournament, organised in memory of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, which was instituted to serve as a unifying factor for Anambra and, by extension, Igbo youths.
The tournament was flawed as the organisation claimed to have been owing some individuals and local governments that participated in different games and won certain trophies.
Chief Umeh, in an interaction with the state and local government executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at his campaign office in Awka, said he felt bad that the tournament recorded only 45 percent success and enjoined the youths to support his Anambra Central senatorial ambition, so as to sustain the tournament and to as well make it an annual event.
“I know that I have helped Ohanaeze in so many ways. I have no personal problem with your state Chairman, Tony-Uche. He is my son, but he is not happy with me. Probably because he did not make it in the APGA primaries conducted recently for the House of Assembly election. I am very sorry,” Umeh said.
Earlier, the State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Tony-Uche Ezekwelu, said it was most regrettable to hear that a son is at loggerheads with his father, but noted that the organisation has benefited a lot from Chief Victor Umeh.
“We were pained when we got such disappointment from somebody we hold at high esteem like Ohamadike, who has been a father to us but that, notwithstanding, we have resolved to continue to be solidly behind you. It is our collective prayer that you make it to the Senate to give a strong and courageous voice to Ndigbo,” Tony said.