By Samuel Ogidan —Abuja
More than a few Nigerians arguably holds the opinion that the current 10th National Assembly is populated by ” yes men” who lacks the capacity to challenge the executive arm of government especially on issues of welfare and security of the citizens.
Critical and keen observers of events in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly may inadvertently conclude that it is a gathering of halleluyah men and women . This opinion is predictated on the continued honey moon between the executive and the legislative arm of government. As a matter of fact , there has been no friction or fighting either between the executive and the legislature or between the leading party ; the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lawmakers and the opposition Lawmakers no how odd or offensive the issues may be , a development people views as strange in a hitherto rancorous parliament.
But to the be less knowledgeable about the workings in both the red and green chambers of today , it has been the voices of halleluyah or yes men who sometimes bark but certainly cannot bite .
Whichever approach to the issue , the more potent is to confront the issue aggressively or through deliberate and peaceful negotiation so that what is ultimate is an end result that will be to the benefit of majority of the people.
Senator Patrick Abba Moro (Benue South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today leads the opposition caucus in the hallowed chamber of the Senate. He assumed that position when Senator Simon Madkwon of Plateau State was axed by the court on account of alleged irregularities in the elections process that brought him to the upper legislative chamber .
Abba Moro clearly understood the dynamics of politics. He knew that aggressive or combative approach may not bring dividends of democracy to his constituents and Nigerians alike. He knew that as an opposition leader, he needs to be tactical and deliberate in pushing his case otherwise it can fall on deaf ears . He has therefore adopted a “benevolence opposition” as a Minority Leader to drive home his points without necessarily compromising the interests of Nigerians.
Moro knew that legislative or parliamentary business is a game of number, therefore deploying a combative approach in an APC dominated chamber would arguably be counterproductive.
So far, he has been focussed and effective in leading the opposition lawmakers in the red chamber.
Moro can easily be dismissed in a crowd because of his not too massive or large God given stature but nature has a defined way of balancing equation; what Moro “lost” in size he gained largely in brain. He has demonstrated brilliance, courage and unarguably a goal getter.
Moro has been dutiful and have demonstrated capacity and shown cooperation on many issues before the apex law making body of the nation.
His diplomatic approach has earned him the trust of leadership of the senate as well as colleagues. Moro has exhibited great leadership qualities and character since he took charge of the leadership of the minority caucus in the senate; thus, helping in stabilizing the senate.
He has been very firm and critical on national issues without being unnecessarily confrontational or opposing national executive bills.
Moro’s approach has helped to reduce rancour and animosity in the 10th Senate so far. What this portend is the increase in productivity; unhindered passage of bills and motions as well as oversight functions .
However, whether this approach aligns or goes in tandem with the wishes of majority of Nigerians is another kettle of fish. But at least, there are evidence of dividends of democracy.
Since his election as Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District in the 9th and 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Moro has made significant contributions to the development of his constituency and the nation . He has been actively involved in legislative processes, advocating for policies and laws that promote good governance, social justice, and economic growth.
He has shown commitment to education, recognizing it as a vital catalyst for societal advancement. He has initiated and supported various educational programmes and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education for the youth in his constituency. He has also championed efforts at addressing youth unemployment through skill acquisition and empowerment programmes.
Moro has demonstrated commitment to revitalisation of agriculture and has been advocating for policies and investments that enhances agricultural productivity and food security.
Moro has been actively engaged in legislative debates and discussions, ensuring that the voices and concerns of his constituents and Nigerians alike are heard and addressed. He has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies and legislation, particularly in areas such as security, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
He has sponsored a number of bills and motions including but not limited to:
* A Bill for an Act for the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) (as amended) to make provisions for local government autonomy.
* A Bill for an Act for the establishment of Families of Fallen Servicemen Support Fund.
* The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act 2007 (Amendment Bill, 2021).
* A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Health Sciences, Akwete-Akpa, Otukpo, Benue State.
* A Bill for an Act to establish the Veteran Welfare Fund.
*North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Establishment Bill.
* A Bill for an Act seeking the establishment of Federal College of Agriculture in Opialu-Ojapo in Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.
* Constitution Amendment Bill, 2022, for an Act to alter the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY in Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Council Elections.
* A Bill for an Act to alter the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for FINANCIAL and ADMINISTRATIVE AUTONOMY for Local Government System in Nigeria.
.Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2019.
* Bill or An Act to establish the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone, Ataganyi, in Apa/Agatu, Benue State.
Moro, a former minister of Interior and veteran local government chairman has influenced and attracted many projects to his constituency including but not limited to:
* Construction of Igaluwa road, in Otukpo LGA.
* Rehabilitation of Alheri street in Otukpo.
* Rehabilitation of Ochoga avenue in Otukpo.
* Construction of Ojira road, in Otukpo.
* Rehabilitation of Jamaica street in Otukpo.
* Rehabilitation of Hospital/Odiapa road, in Obi LGA.
* Ongoing construction of Ojapo-Ogege road, in Okpokwu LGA.
* . Grading and lateriting of several rural roads such as Otakin/Ekpon/Ogore/Ito rural road in Obi/Oju LGAs; Uchuo-Okpoma-Oganari road in Ainu, Oju LGA; Ihilikpa-Onyangede road in Ohimini LGA; Obagaji-Okokolo road in Agatu LGA; Obusa-Ojuma-Ogiri road in Oju LGA. Etc.
* Construction of Odaburu bridge, in Owukpa district of Ogbadibo.
* Construction of River Ogbadibo bridge, in Otukpa district of Ogbadibo.
* Ongoing construction of Ikpochi-Okpudu bridge, in Itabono, Owukpa district of Ogbadibo LGA.
* Construction of Oru bridge, in Oju LGA (to be fully completed in the next budget year).
*Construction of erosion control/drainage system at Obu-Branch Otukpa, in Ogbadibo LGA.
* Construction of erosion control/drainage system in Ugbokolo, in Okpokwu LGA. Etc.
*Construction of Benue Polytechnic/Ugbokolo Roundabout road, Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State.
* Construction of Aokpe Road/Internal Road in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA Benue State(work in progress).
* Ongoing reconstruction of Otukpo/Oju Road, Benue State
* Spot repairs of Otukpo-Oweto Road.
Moro so far has given a good account of his stewardship but like Oliver Twist, the people needs more.
Back home, Moro faces some challenges from aggrieved party men and women who alleged exclusion from the conduct of congresses that produced ward , local and state congresses .
Going forward, Moro will need to step up and reach out to aggrieved party faithful to pacify them . He will need every body on board to advance politically. Politics is a game of number; he needs more inclusivity rather than exclusion.
This is the time for him to extend the olive branch to the aggrieved .
A stitch in time saves nine.
* Samuel Ogidan wrote from Abuja
