Opinion
Abba Moro: Silent Revolution of a Minority Leader
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
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.