Opinion
Abba Moro; Following David Mark, his master’s path
By Paul Mumeh, Abuja
Penultimate week, the Senator Godswill Akpabio led 10th Senate elected Senator Patrick Abba Moro (Benue South) as its Minority Leader following his nomination by the opposition caucuses. This was sequel to the exit of Senator Simon Mwadkwon of Plateau State who was axed by the appeal court.
By this development, the Benue Senator who succeeded Senator David Mark in 2019 became a principal officer of the National Assembly.
Before his election as Minority Leader, Senator Moro, a ranking Senator has demonstrated capacity and competence in legislative assignments. He has provided leadership and quality representation for his constituents.
But Moro has an uphill task of stepping into the large shoes left behind by the 6th and 7th President of the Senate, Mark. It is on record that till date, Mark remains one of the longest Senators who served for 20 years, eight of which he was President of the Senate uninterrupted. This unarguably puts a heavy burden on Senator Moro to live up to his billings.
However, his election as Minority Leader seems to be trailing the trajectory of his predecessor; Mark who led the Senate to its glorious heights between 2007 and 2015.
In acknowledging the accomplishments of Moro last week, Mark praised him for his sterling leadership qualities. He said, “These remarkable achievements are testaments to your exceptional leadership skills, unwavering dedication and the trust and confidence your colleagues have in you.
“Your elevation to such a crucial position is a testament to the respect and admiration you have earned throughout your distinguished career.
“Your commitment to public service, tireless advocacy for your constituents and your ability to bridge divides make you an exemplary choice for the role of Minority Leader”
The former Senate helmsman added “As the minority leader, you will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and responsibilities. However, I have no doubt that your wealth of experience, sharp intellect, and unshakable principles will guide you in navigating these complexities with grace and resilience.
“Your ability to foster collaboration, encourage bipartisan dialogue and finding common ground will be instrumental in shaping thoughtful and impactful policies for the betterment of our nation.”
According to Mark “your election also serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders who look up to you as a role model. Your dedication to public service and your unwavering commitments to the values that defines our great nation will undoubtably continue to inspire future generation of leaders.
Mark described Moro as a worthy successor saying “I have every confidence that you will excel in your new role as the Minority Leader of the Senate and continue to make significant difference in the lives of our people.”
Moro on his part left no one in doubt that he is prepared for the task ahead when he took to the floor of the Senate to move a motion calling for the abolition of Caretaker Committees running some Local Government Councils in the country.
In the motion that was unanimously endorsed, the Senate urged the Federal Government to henceforth withhold statutory monthly allocation to the Councils that are illegally run or administered by appointed Caretaker Committees set up by the State Governors.
It is instructive to note that in tandem with Section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), the administration of Local Government Councils in Nigeria should be by elected officers and not appointed.
The section states emphatically that “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every State shall subject to section 8 of this constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils”.
Expectedly, more than a few of the States, believed to be about 16, running the third tier of government through appointed Caretaker Committees took the gauntlet attacking Moro for bringing the matter to the fore but that motion enjoyed a popular mandate across the length and breadth of Nigeria to wit: nothing stops an idea whose time has come.
Moro’s motion was titled, “Urgent need to halt the erosion of democracy: The dissolution of elected Councils in Benue State.”
The Senators in their various contributions, adjusted the scope of the motion by extending the sanctions to other States in the country that had put in place, unelected council executives.
They condemned the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government councils in Benue and other States in Nigeria. The lawmakers urged the State governors to adhere to their oath of office by obeying the rule of law and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Moro, had in his motion noted that placing caretaker committees to replace elected councilors was an aberration and alien to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He argued that the constitutional responsibility of every State was to ensure the existence of local government councils by law.
In his contribution, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) said the Supreme Court had; pronounced that state governors do not have power to dissolve elected local government officials.
He said, he resisted pressure to dissolve elected officials of the local government when he was a governor.
In his contribution, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, (Borno South) described as misnomer, a situation whereby 16 States in the country run their local governments through the caretaker system.
He emphasized that the best the Senate could do was to prevail on the Ministry of Finance, using its oversight powers to stop the release of funds to local government areas operating caretaker committee.
He urged the Senate to prevail on the Minister of Finance not to release funds to any unelected local government officials.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) said the Electoral Act should be amended to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections.
Buhari’s suggestion was however amended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary. Akpabio, frowned at the establishment of multiple federal agencies but advocated the creation of the National Electoral Commission for Local Governments so that governors would no longer have overlapping influence on council polls.
On this Issue, Moro is right on point. He deserves accolades and not otherwise.
In the 9th Senate, Moro demonstrated his commitment to nationalism when he sponsored about 12 bills and moved more than 10 motions that have direct impact on the welfare and wellbeing of citizens
The bills include but not limited to:
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 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 for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone, Ataganyi, in Apa/Agatu, Benue State.
Motions moved by Moro so far but not limited to:
Motion on the devastating effects of windstorm disaster in Ogbadibo, Okpokwu and Otukpo communities.
Motion on the outbreak of yellow fever in Oye-Obi Local Government Area
Motion on the illegal and excessive charges on customers’ accounts by banks.
Motion on the killings in Ado and Oju LGAs, requesting for an end to the crises, one-minute silence in honour of those killed, and a call on NEMA to provide relief materials to those displaced.
Unarguably, Mark has left large shoes for Moro and as our nation’s political landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to honour those who have provided steadfast leadership and guidance.
Mark has exemplified unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society, tirelessly advocating for the welfare of our citizens and the preservation of our democratic values.
His legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and a profound understanding of the complexities of governance. His tenure was marked by a resolute dedication to bipartisanship, fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity that has been instrumental in advancing meaningful legislation for the benefits of all.
Stepping into the formidable role as Senate Minority Leader is no small task, and it requires a leader of exceptional wisdom, vision and determination.
It is expected that Moro will be guided by the wisdom of Mark as individual who is poised to assume this pivotal position bringing his wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the issues facing our nation and a profound commitment to serving the greater good.
Moro’s leadership capabilities have been honed through years of service in various capacities, and his record of accomplishment and unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy speaks volumes about his character and readiness to take on his momentous responsibility.
Mumeh write from Abuja.
There is something common in politics and with Politicians in this clime, it stems from the arrogance of power, it stinks to high heavens, it is shit in its worst form; that a few men and women play God, they assume that their egocentric predilections represent the collective will, and they undermine the Law as well as the mindset of the electorate. They move to Party B with the mandate given to Party A by the People. And they Cross-carpet or decamp to another Party without deference to the provisions of the Law.
Just yesterday the entire Political Structure in my home State of Delta was led by the State Governor Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, that tsunami of sorts happened without firm reasons but the usual refrain that ‘they want to align with the centre for more democratic dividends to come to the State’. I wouldn’t have opted to do this piece had the All Progressive Congress APC made great feats of the States under its watch, alas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and his followers are masters of deceit, subterfuge and perfidy. They spew soulless propaganda, having no soul they lack moral margins, they lie about everything and they destroy the moral fabrics of our nation. They are shameless, spineless and have no scruples.
Where is the Soul of the men of power who dumped the PDP just yesterday for the APC in Delta State? They have chosen to stand on a Blood Stained Mandate. They have elected a Hunger ridden mandate. They have chosen a corruption riddled mandate. They laud an insecurity enabling mandate. They salute a nepotistic mandate. And they dance to a frustration festering mandate. Had the PBAT led APC at the Centre made Nigeria better than it met her, I would applaud Governor Sheriff and his fellow travelers, but the truth is what consistently the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his men have chosen to trample upon, nay the Truth is that under the PBAT led APC Government, Nigeria is today worse than it was yesterday.
What logic situates the movement of the Delta State Political Structures from the PDP to the APC at a time when Nigerians feel the most unsafe in their homeland? When the States of Plateau, Benue and Bornu have become theatres of human barbecues. Is it not stupidity to elect a blood stained and a blood soaked mandate over being in a Party in the opposition?
Is it not a show of shame to elect a mandate that has left the masses of the people in poverty, despondency and want over fueling the fervour of an opposition seeking a new deal and a new Republic of hope for the people? Which sincere and people oriented leader would dump the opposition for a Party that is absolutely rudderless and progressively multiplying poverty? Only the soulless and the shameless, surely.
The fulminating shenanigans that undermine the monstrous corruption of the APC Government, the unending Infrastructural decay, the unhinged failure of the energy and the power sector, the pervasive hunger, disease and pain in the land, and the murderous gangs killing and maiming citizens with reckless abandon defines the Olympic soullessness of the Delta State Political Merchants who have elected a Blood Stained Mandate over matching for the redemption of Nigeria.
I believe that it is manifest stupidity to desert the opposition at a time that our nation is in dire straits and badly craving vibrant opposition. I believe that it is a show of shame to decamp to a Party and a Government that has failed to protect lives and property.
And I hereby lampoon with unbridled vehemence all those who have chosen to stand on the blood stained and blood soaked mandate that PBAT epitomizes.
Hmmm, so suddenly my home State is now APC, interesting. A class of less than 300 people nay ‘leaders’ met at the Government House in Asaba, and in one fell swoop changed the political colour, temperature and identity of the State, interesting. My People, this One-Party State wey APC and PBAT dey push and pursue na to what end? PBAT and his Party the APC through this manifest antics of State capture have tied democracy to the stake, and are daily through acts of impunity, lawlessness, and braggadocio shooting violently at democracy, I pray they do not shoot this jingleover democracy to death. I pray that they understand that One Party State is the precursor to Authoritarian Rule and Dictatorship. And I pray that they are not oblivious of the politico-social tendencies of the Nigerian State, a State that cannot and has never been captured by any one tendency. In any case, before they completely murder democracy, it must be on record that someone warned against the Stupidity, against the Show of Shame and against the Shenanigans of our Political Operators.
Call me names, but let it be on record that when the elders and the hoard of egotistic political merchants that predominate our political kaleidoscope fiddled with the poisoned chalice of sycophancy and hypocrisy, I wasn’t quiet. Let it be on record that when they ate poisoned bread baked with blood stained and blood soaked mandate, and when they chose to dance on the tombs of the dead across our space who were unlived because government failed to protect them, that someone called out the discerning, and warned against the omnious times that they make certain.
The sequel to this patriotic effort shall most certainly tell more, reveal more and foretell the pitfalls that a most arrogant and self-seeking political class weave in the path of our ‘democracy’. We have got some difficult days and difficult times ahead.
Call me the Wailer, that’s ok, for I Wail that Nigeria may become Great.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.
It was the famous American former President, Abraham Lincoln who noted that the people when rightly and fully trusted will return the trust.
Thus, when the trust level gets high enough, people exceed apparent limits, discovering new and awesome abilities of which they were formerly unaware.
When trust is placed on those who occupy public office, they need to work had to continue to justify the trust in the people they preside over.Appointment into office is premised on the facts that the appointee is capable and will be of immense values to the realization of the aspirations of the government in power.
Thus, with the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into office, series of strategic appointment of respected and credible niger9ians were made thereafter.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had the qualities of appointing the right people in the right position, having judged their qualification and capabilities. This is a unique ability which good leaders to possess in abundance.
It was this sense of judgement that made him to appoint Chief Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON as the current minister of Marine and Blue Economy.He was the former chief of Staff to the former Governor of Osun State and later became the governor of the state.
Whereby he displayed integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. This role allowed him to exhibit his administrative shrewdness and dedication to the advancement of the state.
During this time, he played a critical role in implementing policies and initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure.He was later appointed minister of transportation by President Bola Tinubu on 16 August 2023, but redeployed four days later to the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Despite the newness of the ministry, his leadership abilities and acumen as well as his professional qualification eminently qualifies him for the arduous job, for he pursued his education with diligence, earning a degree in Applied Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos.
With a passion for learning and a keen eye for effective management, he embarked on a career that would see him excel in various sectors.
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
European Commission defines it as “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts, the realization that Nigeria has vast ocean ecosystem justifies the creation of the ministry.
The ministry’s four action pillars for its first four years (2023–2027) are: promoting sustainable blue economy investments; transforming port operations; enhancing port infrastructure; and strengthening blue governance.
Under Oyetola’s leadership, the ministry targets attracting $2 billion in investments in offshore renewable energy by 2025; establishing at least five new fish processing plants by 2025 and at least two new coastal tourism sites by 2026; and creating three million marine and blue economy-related jobs by 2027.
The importance of this ministry lies in the fact that the life of the planet and correct functioning of ecosystem services are sustained by marine ecosystems.
The blue economy thus has the potential to achieve a sustainable development which does not compromise life on Earth tomorrow.
Thus, his appointment eminently justifies and in line with the aspiration s to make Nigeria a great nation.His achievements in office are attributed to maritime security and safety, port operational efficiency, infrastructure rehabilitation, connectivity and blue economy development.
The Minister, who unfolds the strategic plans of the Ministry and the Agencies which would focus on maritime security, safety, ship building & maintenance, maritime governance, port infrastructure rehabilitation, capacity building, among others.
Under his leadership, the Nigeria’s territorial waters became safer especially in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) in the past one year, with the maritime sector recorded zero incidence of piracy and maritime terrorism for more than one year.
Ports were upgraded and his ministry worked assiduously to actualize the implementation of the National Single Window at the nation’s ports to facilitate trade and competitiveness of country’s port system.
The value his outstanding leadership will also impact on the acceptability and reelection of the present administration in 2027.
We Commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the confidence reposed in and the subsequent Appointment of Chief Gboyega Oyetola as the Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy.
He is honest and transparent in his stronger determination to reposition the sector as the leading source of revenue to the country and will surely do more based on his past robust antecedents. We thus call on all Nigerians to support his vision and pragmatic leadership in the office, so as to enable impact the lives of many more citizens of the country.
Dr K.M.Tugga is an Abuja resident and public affairs commentator
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.