HIS DEATH'LL SPUR APGA TO GREATER HEIGHTS -UMEH

Against insinuations that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would disintegrate with the death of its leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh at the weekend said the demise would rather spur the party to greater heights.

Speaking in Awka shortly after receiving an award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State council as 'Political Leader of the Year,' Umeh said that though the party was shocked because of Ojukwu's death, it has resolved that the best way to honour him would be to advance the party in all ramifications.

He said: 'Ojukwu's death will not scatter the party as some people are wishing, rather it will spur us to greater heights. We are resolved to ensure that both by number and electoral victory we will increase tremendously. When I go out now and remember Ojukwu, I will roar like the lion. His memories will ever bring the best in us and we will not let him down.'

Umeh who dedicated the award to the Ikemba Nnewi, said that he (Umeh) was the greatest loser in Ojukwu's death as the late warlord was a pillar of support to him. He added that nobody could take the position of Ikemba in Igboland.

The APGA boss was also touched by the comment made about him by a fellow recipient, 92-year-old vendor, Mr. Ephraim Obinedu who got the award of 'The Oldest Vendor' who described him, (Umeh) thus, 'Yes, I know you. You're a man of integrity; a man of sincerity and a man of honesty.'

He thanked the NUJ for the award which he said has vindicated him from the campaign of calumny sponsored against him by some people from the state.

His words: 'I've been here with you for the past 12 years of thereabout in a very strenuous struggle to stabilize the politics of this state and to redirect the affairs of governance in Anambra State. I never envisage that at any time in the nearest future that any body can stand up in this state and cast myself in very negative light.