Akpabio Commends Umeh, Abaribe for Defending South East as NCC Board Gets Full Zonal Representation
By George Ozalla
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended Senators Victor Umeh and Enyinnaya Abaribe for their courage and dedication in defending the interest of the South East, following the correction of an earlier omission of the region from the list of nominees for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Board.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the Senate confirmed Idris Olurunnimbe as Chairman of the NCC Board alongside commissioners representing all six geopolitical zones. The confirmation came after Senators Umeh (Anambra Central) and Abaribe (Abia South) raised concern that the initial nomination list transmitted to the Senate did not include any representative from the South East.
Their swift intervention prompted the attention of the Senate President, who described the action as a demonstration of effective and responsible representation. Acting on the matter, Senator Akpabio referred the observation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who subsequently approved the inclusion of Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede as the South East representative on the NCC Board.
Addressing the chamber, Senator Akpabio praised both lawmakers for their vigilance and sense of duty, noting that their stand helped to reinforce the principles of equity and inclusion in the nation’s governance structure.
Senator Umeh, in his response, appreciated the Senate President for his quick intervention and sense of justice, adding that the move not only corrected a major oversight but also restored confidence in the Senate’s commitment to fairness and national balance.
The confirmation of the NCC Board with full regional representation has since been hailed as a triumph for inclusivity under the 10th Senate. Senator Victor Umeh, who has remained a vocal advocate for justice and balanced development, continues to earn recognition as one of the strongest voices of Ndi Igbo in the red chamber.
