Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has dedicated the ‘NUJ Man of the Year 2017 Award” bestowed on him by the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to the Nigerian judiciary.
Umeh, who spoke shortly after receiving the award during the 2018 Anambra Media Summit and Award Ceremony in Awka, described the heights he had made in politics as a creation of the judiciary.
Recalling that his legal battles to defend his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its political cause began over 15 years ago; Umeh applauded the Nigerian judiciary for standing for the truth, despite the odds.
The Senator who to time to recount his legal battles said, “Summarily put, I am very happy that without bending the law, I have been able to fight for justice for so many people including myself. So I thank God and dedicate this award you have given to me to Nigeria Judiciary.
“I am a creation of the Nigeria judiciary both as the party chairman, the judiciary have always saved me. Once you are right you will always prevail.”
Umeh who was the former National Chairman of APGA was sworn in as a Senator of the Federal Republic in January this year after over two year of legal battle resulting from the 2015 general elections.
The Senator however decried the roles of some politicians, journalists and lawyers in trying to stand against the truth on political matters saying, “I have received many awards and chieftaincy titles but I cherished this award from the NUJ. I’m humbled.”
He, therefore, enjoined journalists and publishers particularly those operating online media to always pursue fairness, truth and objectivity.
According to him, “The online media should not be a place to attack people or carry out vendettas. Young people should first pursue education before venturing into online media practice. You don’t float online platform to attack people without justification.”
Umeh noted that the National Assembly had embarked on legislation that would give the country a robust and enduring democracy, stating that the 2018 budget when signed by the president had the capacity to better the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking on the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Umeh condemned the use of the court to carry out such action as it could be counterproductive, he rather call on all tiers of government to embark on dialogue in conflict resolution.
Earlier the Anambra State Chairman of the NUJ had in giving Umeh the award described him as the bastion of democracy and rule of law.