Rt Hon Barr Sunday Cyriacus Umeha

*RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA HOLDS UDI-EZEAGU STAKEHOLDERS DIALOGUE: PROVIDES ONE-YEAR SCORECARD AND URGES MORE COLLABORATION AMONGST LEADERSHIP OF THE STATE EXECUTIVES OF LABOUR PARTY*

1st June 2024

*Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha* yesterday, 31st May 2024 held a stakeholders dialogue with the Labour Party leadership of Ezeagu-Udi Federal Constituency as well as Constituents and supporters.

The engagement was part of the series of activities to mark Hon. Umeha's one-year in office as the Member Representing Ezeagu-Udi Federal Constituency. During the event, Hon. Umeha reeled out his scorecard in the period in the areas of employment opportunities and job creation, provision of scholarships, robust legislative engagement, youth empowerment, support to the religious community, active Constituency-engagement and liaison, road and power infrastructure etc.

Hon. Umeha also admonished the party leadership at the State level on the need for cooperation amongst themselves in order to withstand exogenous political shocks. In particular, he admonished the Acting State Chairman of the Party to cease interference with the internal affairs of Ezeagu Local Government which has been responsible for the tension in the Local Government.

In their response, the stakeholders who were in high spirit, passed a vote of confidence on Hon. Umeha and expressed their optimism that the years ahead will be better with him in the saddle and reiterated their commitment to support him when the need arises.

Notable attendees at the event include Chief Emmanuel Ogbozor- the Labour Party candidate for Udi North State Constituency in the last general election; Rt. Hon. Dr. Chibuzor Onyema, Labour Party Candidate- Udo South State Constituency.

Others are the Labour Party Chairman, Ezeagu Local Government- Mr. Mazi Augustine; the Coordinating Chairman Udi Local Government - Mr. Onyiamba Christian and Hon. Umeha's Chief of Staff - Mr. Prince Obinna Ozoejike.

Signed:

Raymond Nkannebe, Esq | Director of Media and Press Affairs- Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Media Office

The occasion of 's Day provides a veritable opportunity to celebrate all Children across our Nation who are the inheritors of our future. It also affords us the opening to recognize their innocence and the indescribable joy they bring to our lives.

That said, it is something of a shame and collective indictment of the political class, that our country continues to account for one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children. This is not just just a breach of the fundamental rights of our children, but also a potential driver of insecurity and social anomie.

On this day, I urge all our leaders to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the basic rights of every child in a manner that guarantees their welfare, safety and education rights so as to prepare them for a future where they can be of value to themselves, communities and Nation at large.

Happy Children's Day.

Delighted to have participated in the first, in the series of retreats of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

In line with the timeline to achieve the first set of amendments, namely, December 2025, the retreat provided Committee members an opportunity to receive reports from consultants on previous Constitution amendment bills, and to deliberate on those that were rejected or not assented to, and propose plans for addressing the objections responsible for their rejection.

Further, the technical sessions, acquainted Committee Members with the various experts' perspectives and insights on constitutional matters arising from the memoranda and bills referred to the Committee, as well as other issues concerning stakeholders engagement.

I wish to extend my gratitude to the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, H.E. Senator Godswil Akpabio for gracing the retreat as a gesture of commitment of the red chambers to the actualization of this very important National assignment.

I wish to also acknowledge my gratitude to the Chairman of Committee, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives-Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for the adroit and inspirational leadership he has provided thus towards the actualization of this shared objective.

Commendations are also due to our development partners, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office , for their unwavering commitment to this crucial process.

The expectation is that, together, through shared efforts and collective wisdom, we shall midwife an organic Constitution truly reflective of the times and aspirations of our people as we continue in the all-important task of Nation Building.

- SU.

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA ORGANIZES SECURITY PARLEY WITH CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS TOWARDS AN IMPROVED SECURITY IN EZEAGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

In line with his Legislative Agenda of improving the security of lives and property of his Constituents and in response to the recent spike in kidnapping and banditry within the Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha yesterday, organized a 1-day security parley with key stakeholders of Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency with a view to checkmating the resurgent security breaches in the area.

The event had in attendance the traditional rulers of Ezeagu, representatives of the Armed Forces, Nigerian Police Force; the Department of State Services, the Civil Defence; the clergy, President Generals and Community Leaders, Youth groups and members of the public.

During the day-long event, participants shared their respective perspectives on the root cause of the issue and called for a concerted response to the security crisis in a manner that carries every member of the community along.

After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached:

1. The youths of the community were urged to be more responsive and proactive in guarding their respective communities by forming Civilian Joint Task Force to assist Security agencies

2. There is a need to strengthen the Neighborhood Watch to complement the role of the police.

3. There is a need to mobilize and motivate the leadership of the various Neighborhood Watches for optimal performance through acquisition of security gadgets to aid their operations.

4. There is a need to ramp up intelligence gathering by the security operatives particularly the DSS in order to forestall the criminal attacks before they're carried out.

5. Negotiating life insurance schemes for members of the Neighborhood Watches as well as provision of decent compensation packages for their family members in the event of loss of life, will serve to boost morale and enhance performance.

6. Increased funding for activities of the Neighborhood Watches by tapping into the security votes of the various local government areas as well as contributions of public spirited individuals.

7. The need to enhance synergy and collaboration between the local Vigilantee Groups and the security agencies for information sharing and crisis response management.

8. Need to explore conventional means of animal husbandry, with a view to eradicate the clashes between farmers and herders which has been identified as one of the drivers of the crisis.

At the end of the event, Hon. Umeha who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Prince Obinna Ozoejike thanked all the participants for taking out time to be at the parley and assured them of the escalation of the resolutions to Hon. Umeha who was unavoidably absent, for further review and implementation strategies.

Signed.

Raymond Nkannebe | Director Media and Press Affairs, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Media Office.

I felicitate Senator Ike Ekweremadu on the auspicious occasion of his 62nd birthday anniversary.

Senator Ekweremadu's contribution to the growth and development of our constitutional democracy in the Fourth Republic holds a significant place in the annals of our democratic history.

His modest rise in politics from the position of Local Government Chairman to the exalted position of Deputy Senate President of the 8th Senate, is indeed a testament to his leadership capacity.

On a personal note, the mentorship and guidance he provided to me along my political journey continues to bear fruit in the modest strides that I have been able to make over the course of the last few years and to him, I'm forever indebted.

His current travails notwithstanding, he remains an unimpeachable patriot and beliver in the promise of Nigeria's future. I have no doubt that when his current set back is fully over, he would come back home to the warm reception of Ndi Enugu and Nigerians at large.

On behalf of myself and the good people of Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, I wish him a very happy birthday even as I pray that God Almighty will continue to comfort him and his family and give them the grace to navigate these very difficult times.

-SU

I joined other eminent Nigerians to attend the Thanksgiving Mass in honour of late Mrs. Lolo Valerie Ogbareno Ogakwu (Nee Everett) at St. Mary's Procathedral Catholic Church, Udi Town, Enugu State.

Lolo Ogakwu was an Amazon of inestimable value who lived a life worthy of emulation in every sense of the word.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Prince Victor Ogakwu and the entire Ogakwu family on the irreparable loss of their Matriarch and I pray that God Almighty will forgive her sins and grant her eternal rest.

-SU

I am deeply devastated by the loss of our fellow colleague and member representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Hon. Isa Dogonyaro.

Until his death, Hon. Dogonyaro served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control.

He was a peaceful and dutiful gentleman who served his Constituents and nation at large with remarkable zest and will be sorely missed.

My heart goes out to members of his immediate and extended families, his Constituents and the entire people of Jigawa State. May Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him Aljanatu Firdausi.

- SU.

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA REPRESENTS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RT. HON. TAJUDEEN ABBAS AND CHAIRMAN HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE- RT. HON. OLUMIDE OSOBA AT THE ANNUAL LAW WEEK OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (ABUJA BRANCH): SHARES PERSPECTIVES ON THE CONSTITUENCY PROJECT QUESTION.

9th May 2024

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly attended the opening ceremony of the Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (Unity Branch) held at the A- Class Event Center, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Wuse II, Abuja. The Annual Law Week is a flagship event of the Abuja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association which also serves as a platform for the Bar, the Bench and other stakeholders to idealize on issues affecting the polity with a view of arriving at a solution.

Hon. Umeha attended the event in two capacities, namely, as a representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas at the Opening Plenary, as well as a representative of the Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, at the Panel Session on the "Constitutionality of Constituency Projects under the 1999 Constitution: Issues and Prospects".

Hon. Umeha conveyed the goodwill message of the Speaker of the House of Representatives who was unavoidably absent, and during the plenary session shared his perspectives on the vexed issue of Constituency Projects which he described as an exigency of our sociopolitical arrangement and which has facilitated in no small measure in delivering infrastructural projects at the grassroots.

Hon. Umeha bemoaned our democratic culture where parliamentarians who ordinarily should be occupied with the business of law making, have found themselves in a position where their performance is assessed by the amount of infrastructural projects attracted to their constituencies.

He attributed constituency Projects as in invention of our democratic culture which can be enhanced if well managed. Contrary to the widespread perception of the corruptibility of the practice, Hon. Umeha argued that it has indeed delivered in no small measure in improving our local communities and described the process as a function of the art of negotiation and lobbying in the larger interest of one's constittuents.

Other Distinguished Members of the Panel were Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, former Member of the House of Representatives; Chief B.C. Igwilo SAN, Mr. M.J. Numa, SAN and Chief J.S. Okutepa, SAN.

SIGNED

Raymond Nkannebe Esq | Director Media and Press Affairs, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Media Office.

I will be attending the Panel Session on "The Legality of Constituency Project under the 1999 Constitution: Issues and Prospects" as part of series of events marking the Annual Law Week of the Abuja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association with the theme: "Deploying the Law to Attain National Stability and Development".

I look forward to sharing my perspectives on the vexed issue of the constitutionality or otherwise of Constituency Projects as well as listening to the views of other Distinguished Panelists as we continue to negotiate a democratic culture that works.

I thank the leadership of the Branch as well as members of the Law Week Organizing Committee for the privilege to be part of this engagement and I look forward to further collaboration with them in the achievement of our shared objectives.

- SU

*Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Felicitates the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives on the Occasion of his Birthday.*

On behalf of the good people of Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, I congratulate my Senior Brother, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

I have seen first hand your sterling leadership qualities which has been a great factor in your rapid political ascendancy culminating in your Deputy Speakership of the 10th Assembly.

Little wonder you are today, not just the representative of the good people of Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, but rather, by sheer distinctiveness become one of the illustrious ambassadors of the Igbo Nation and central player in the navigation of the political future of our people.

As you celebrate this new age, I pray that God Almighty will bless you and continue to give you the grace in your unflinching service to Man and our beloved nation.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha | Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Justice.

OrderPaper
House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, felicitates fathers on the occasion of 2024.

On this special occasion of , I join the global community of Catholic Men's Organizations (CMO) to celebrate our fathers for the incredible role they play in the family and our society at large.

As a father of 5 children, I am a living testimony to the pain of fatherhood as well as the indescribable joy that comes with it. It is a rare privilege that comes with enormous responsibility.

In the spirit of today's occasion, I urge us to take a moment to pray for our fathers and ask that God Almighty should grant them the grace and enablement to continue the fulfillment of His purpose on earth.

-SU

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA FELICITATES NIGERIAN WORKERS ON THE OCCASION OF : COMMENDS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR AUGMENTATION OF SALARY AND PENSION BENEFITS OF WORKERS; ASKS STATES TO EMULATE SAME.

1st May, 2024

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Justice, has extended his felicities to the Nigerian Labour Congress and all workers at large, on the auspicious occasion of .

Hon. Umeha acknowledged the role of Labour in shaping modern civilization and society at large and urges the working class to use the opportunity of this year's event to reflect on the values of hard work, diligence and dignity in labour which are the strong pillars upon which the philosophy of work and labour rests.

"It is upon the labour of men and women that the foundation stone of the society is erected. This occasion of , therefore, calls for a sober reflection on the working conditions of the Nigerian and global Labour community who through their pain and forebearance keep the engine of the modern state grinding", Hon. Umeha said.

He further commended the Federal Government of Nigeria on the approved 25% and 35% salary increase for civil servants across various consolidated salary structures as well as the augmentation of the pension of retirees enrolled in the Defined Benefits Scheme within the aforementioned consolidated salary structures from 20% to 28% effective from 1st January 2024, describing as a welcome demonstration of commitment towards improving the welfare and well-being of the working class.

Hon. Umeha further used the opportunity to admonish and encourage the State Governments to also look into enhancing the working conditions of its working class in light of the current economic realities which has affected the purchasing power of many citizens.

Hon. Umeha also renewed his commitment to job-creation through targeted skill acquisition programs, which will add to the capacity of the youths of his Constituency in order to position them for opportunities across diverse areas of human endeavor. He stated that final logistics arrangements are being put in place ahead of the first of such skill acquisition programs.

Signed:

Raymond Nkannebe, Esq | Director Media and Press Affairs, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Media Office.

Umunne m,

May this new month be a testimony and may the blessings that it holds, find expression in our lives and those of our family and friends.

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha present as Golden Eaglets of Nigeria host Udi Stars Football Accademy in a friendly match.

28th April 2024

I was a special guest yesterday, as the Udi Stars Football Accademy of Enugu played a friendly match with the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria at the National stadium, Abuja.

The potential of grassroots sport as a medium of actively engaging our youths and preparing them for professional sports cannot be gainsaid. This lies at the heart of our youth agenda and I look forward to working closely with the management of the football club towards deepening grassroots football and other sports with a view to providing platforms for our talented youths to hone their skills in the track and fields.

For our sports sector to be fully developed, the intertwined role of the government and private citizens cannot be overemphasized. It is in this regard that I acknowledge my gratitude to Chief Joseph Chukwudi Chime (Boy G) - the President of Udi Stars Football Academy for his act of Philanthropy and commitment towards the development of grassroots sports in Udi, in particular and Nigeria at large.

-SU

I am currently attending the House of Representatives Committee on Public Account Maiden Retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The theme of the Retreat: "ENHANCING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE 10TH PUBLIC ACCOUNT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES", is billed to re-imagine the work of the 10th Public Accounts Committee of the House for more effectiveness and I'm excited about its prospects for our Nation.

-SU

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA PARTICIPATES IN MAIDEN PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE RETREAT IN PORT HARCOURT: EXTOLLS GOV. FUBARA'S INTERNAL REVENUE GENERATION DRIVE

20th April 2024

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, accompanied other members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts to Port Harcourt, Rivers State for the Committee's maiden retreat.

Ahead of the technical sessions of the retreat, the Committee paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Rivers State- Sir Siminalayi Fubara. During the course of the engagement, Governor Fubara took the Committee on an insider-account of how the State has been responding to its revenue challenges as well as the enormous wage bill that greets it. He particularly briefed the Committee on how the state has been able to raise its IGR from 13 Billion Naira when the new Administration came on board, to 27 Billion Naira. He also narrated the diverse social intervention and programmes of the Administration targeted at delivering the dividends of governance to the people.

In rounding up his remarks, he thanked the delegation for their choice of Rivers State for its maiden retreat and assured them of the support of the State during the period of their stay and beyond.

In his address, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, told the Governor that the reason for their choice of Rivers State was because of its peaceful atmosphere and the commitment to the Governor to governance inspite of all the political distractions. He commended the Governor for achieving over 26 projects within his 100 days in office and urged him to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Rivers people.

After the technical sessions of the Committee, Hon. Umeha is expected back in Abuja together with other delegates at the Retreat.

Signed:

Raymond Nkannebe- Director, Media & Press Affairs Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Media Office.

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA ATTENDS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON POWER: ADVOCATES DOWNWARD REVIEW OF ELECTRICITY TARIFF IN LIGHT OF CURRENT ECONOMIC REALITIES

19th April 2024

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha - Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly has decried the massive increase in electricity tariff by the Electricity Distribution Companies.

Hon. Umeha made the comments at a meeting of the House Committee on Power and other relevant stakeholders which held yesterday 18th April 2024. During the session, Hon. Victor Onyemachi- Chairman House Committee on Power, welcomed the representatives of the various stakeholders in attendance and expatiated on the agenda of the meeting which was geared at a cost-effective power supply to Nigerian homes and businesses against the backdrop of the recent increment in electricity tariff.

In their response, the Ministry of Power through its representative, contended that the increment in the tariff was necessitated by the need to engender more stability in the electricity market and further assured that this would improve the quantum of power transmitted to the general public.

Hon. Umeha, in his reaction bemoaned the timing of the increment against the backdrop of current economic realities and the attendant inflation to ensue from it. He also feared a situation whereby the consumers placed under Band A don't get to enjoy the quantum of power promised under it, and also wondered what the implication would be for consumers outside the Band, in circumstances that might become discriminatory.

Whist acknowledging the market-conditions that might have informed the tariff increase, he reiterated that the timing was inauspicious and reeked of a transfer of government and other stakeholder-obligation to an already over stretched consumership.

Signed:

Raymond Nkannebe- Director, Media & Press Affairs Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha Media Office.

Mother's love represent one of the most purest of human feelings. It nourishes the family and engenders a peaceful dynamic upon which society flourishes.

On this occasion of , I rejoice with our Catholic mothers in particular as we reflect on the significant roles they play in our lives and society.

- SU

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA FELICITATES THE MUSLIM UMMAH ON THE OCCASION OF EID EL-FITR.

I felicitate the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year's Eid El Fitr. As you bid farewell to the Holy Month of Ramadan, may the spirit of Eid fill your hearts with joy, and your homes with happiness.

Wishing you a joyous Eid-El-Fitr.

-SU

RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA REPRESENTS THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES- RT. HON. DR. TAJUDEEN ABBAS AT THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF PRINCESS CHINWE CLARA NNABUIFE, MEMBER REPRESENTING ORUMBA NORTH/SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

7th April, 2024

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, today, attended the Thanksgiving Service and Reception in honour of Rt. Hon. Princess Clara Nnabuife, who is the Member Representing Orumba North/Orumba South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Hon. Umeha attended the event on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas who was unavoidably absent. The well-attended church service held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Umunze followed by a grande reception.

In his remarks, Hon. Umeha extolled the virtues of the celebrant and commended her unflinching commitment to improving the lot of her Constituents as well humanity at large. He thanked God for using the Judiciary to secure Hon. Chinwe's mandate and urged her to use it as a springboard to deliver the dividends of governance to her Constituents.

Notable dignitaries at the event include, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; the former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Sibeudu, Governorship hopeful in Anambra State, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo amongst other dignitaries.

Signed

Raymond Nkannebe, Esq - Director of Media and Press Affairs, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, Media Office.

BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO HIS EXCELLENCY BARR. SULLIVAN IHEANACHO CHIME @ 63.

I, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Umeha, Member Representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly. On behalf of my family, and Constituents of Udi/Ezeagu, congratulate, our amiable Leader and former governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Sullivan Chime on this occasion of 63rd Birthday.

Your Excellency, your tenure as Governor of Enugu State, is still a shining example and reference point of good governance, not just in South East but the entire country.

May God continue to keep you hearty and healthy for us. Amen. Once again congratulations and happy birthday.

Sign:
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Justice
Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

A new month signals a fresh start and a renewed energy to accomplish life's goals. May this new month of April which opens a new quarter of the year, drive us closer to the achievement of our personal and group objectives.

TEXT OF EASTER-DAY MESSAGE BY RT. HON. BARR. SUNDAY CYRIACUS UMEHA.

31st March 2024

My Dear Constituents and Ndi Enugu,

Today is Easter Sunday. As you all know, it is arguably one of the most important feasts in the Christian calendar as it marks the historic resurrection of Jesus Christ - Prince of Peace and Savior of the World, from death after crucifixion on the cross.

Indeed, it is to the event of today, that the testimony of our Christian faith is founded. Let me therefore rejoice with us on this special day as we share in the joy of the risen Christ and as we renew our Christian faith.

At Easter, we are often reminded of the important lessons of love; the most distinctive feature upon which our shared Christian destiny is based. By sacrificing Himself on the cross for humanity, Christ teaches us the place of selflessness, as a supreme act of leadership.

Permit me to use this opportunity to remind you to rededicate yourselves to those values which Easter and the lenten period before it, projects. I mean the values of love, peace, shared humanity, kindness, empathy and selflessness which were attributes that distinguished Christ whose resurrection we remember today.

Umunnem, I am not unaware that this year's event comes at a rather difficult time for our nation which is currently grappling with an unprecedented socioeconomic crisis manifesting itself in hunger, deprivation, insecurity, joblessness etc.

As your Elected Representative, you can rest assured that these issues have continued to give me serious concern.

From far away Abuja, I feel your pain and I like to say that I share in them. However, I want to assure us that my colleagues in the House, and my humble self, are working assiduously towards putting the needed legislative framework, in place, with a view to negotiating a fair bargain for the Nigerian people, and you, my Constituents.

Yet, whilst the darkness of today tarries, hope abounds that just like the Angel rolled the stone away, our Good Lord will also roll away the stones of socioeconomic hardship, hunger, deprivation and want, which currently axohyxiates our mother land.

I wish you all a peaceful and memorable Easter filled with the resplendent light that heralded the resurrection of the risen Lord and the joy of His victory over sin and death.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha- Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Justice.