From Fred Itua, Abuja
On February 13, indigenes of Ebonyi South senatorial zone, gathered in their numbers to felicitate with the newly elected senator from the zone, professor Anthony Ani.
In attendance were the former governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi, Senior Special Adviser to the President, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, All Progressive Congress (APC), chairman of the party in Ebonyi, represented by the Ebonyi South zonal chairman, Earnest Nweze, chairmen of all the five local governments in the zone, among others.
Professor Ani replaced Umahi who abdicated his senatorial seat to take the position of minister of Works.
Professor Ani who was a lecturer at the federal university of Technology, Owerri, won the February 3, 2024 re-run election in Ebonyi South zone.
He defeated the Labour Party candidate, Linus Okorie and All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate (APGA), Ifeanyi Eleje.
The former governor of Ebonyi, Umahi while congratulating Ani for his victory stated that his victory was a product of destiny, describing him as a very lucky person.
Reiterating the support himself and the governor of the state, Francis Nwifuru rendered for the emergence of Ani, Umahi said, “we, including the governor only accompanied Ani to actualise his destiny.”
Recalling how professor Ani journey to the Senate started, Umahi narrated, “so many people who sent text to me indicating intention to contest the position in zone were just earger to achieve their aims, but Ani text to me was that he would never run against any member of my family if they chose to contest.”
“Though I scolded him for his lack of courage, but inwardly I appreciated his humility and I am sure it will take him far.”
Umahi noted that Ani victory is a testimony that Ebonyi is completely APC state, saying, “I will support you, I will do the leg work, and you will recall that I broke all the records in the Senate and it is my promise that with Senator Ani, we shall ensure that more records are broken for him to get his rightful position in the Senate.”
While appreciating Umahi for hissupport, Ani said, “I will for ever be grateful to Umahi and Ebonyi governor who sponsored and encouraged me all through the election. “Since I was born, I never failed any subject and I never failed any course.” Promising to
reciprocate the support given to him by the zone by working hard to meet their aspirations, he said, “I will never disappoint the people.”
Highlights of the event was the presentation of gift from the department of Agricultural Extension, FUTO, to Professor Ani by a delegation from the university. Ani had resigned his lecturing position from FUTO to contest the senatorial election. Goodwill messages also poured from colleagues of professor Ani from the university of Maidugiri and Jos where Ani had lectured.