Charles Onyekanmuo and Kasie Abone 
 
The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday visited the graveside of the party's leader, the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at his Nnewi country home to formally dedicate the party's victory in the Anambra State  gubernatorial election to his memory.

Umeh was accompanied by the  governor-elect, Dr. Willie Obiano, his wife, Ebelechukwu, the deputy governor-elect, Dr. Nkem Okeke, party chieftains and traditional ruler of Aguleri, among others.

The visit came on the heels of the presentation certificate of return to Obiano and Okeke by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The entourage on arrival at Ojukwu's country home went straight to his mausoleum, offered some prayers and told him to bless the Obiano. Umeh said it was important the ritual of consulting the deceased, who until his death was the leader of the party, be upheld because he was consulted  before the party began its campaign for the election in July.

He said: "Eze Igbo Gburugburu, we have come to greet you. If you remember when we were going for the battle in the seventh month of this year, we came to tell you that the die was cast and that you would lead us because we felt that if we called you, we would have victory. Now that victory has been achieved, we have come to inform you."

Earlier, INEC had presented the  certificate of return to     Obiano and   Okeke. Handing over the certificate to the duo,  INEC National Commissioner representing Anambra, Enugu and Benue States, Ambassador Laurence Nwauruku, who represented the National Chairman of the commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said God had seen the electoral umpire through the election.

He praised Anambra people for being civilised and enlightened, factors that had enabled the state to shun violence during the poll.

In his response, Obiano expressed happiness, saying the issuance of the certificate to him and his running mate has formally brought the electoral process to an end.
He dedicated his victory to God while thanking Anambra people for their massive support, which earned APGA victory at the poll .

He called on the people to unite to work for the progress of the state, adding that the time has come to build on the progress made by the Governor, Mr.  Peter Obi.

"I will need everybody's prayer, support and advice to deliver on your expectations," he said.
In addition, Obiano expressed gratitude to Umeh's resilience and doggedness during the election, which contributed immensely to APGA's victory at the poll. 
Umeh on his part, hailed the conduct of the election, saying it was   free and fair.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/umeh-leads-obiano-others-to-pay-homage-to-ojukwus-memory/165775/