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Senator Moro Not In Competition With Anybody But Only Satisfying His Conscience

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By Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John

Recently, there have been uncomplimentary remarks and criticisms of the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro PhD on his appearance in a trending video of a Kogi senator who took home the minority caucus of the senate for commissioning of her projects. Senator Moro, the leader of the caucus, cut the commissioning tapes, which some critics and a few political opponents are using to criticize him, claiming he went to commission projects in Kogi whereas he has not executed anything in his own senatorial district after five years.

Ordinarily, when armchair critics and political jobbers criticize, the best response is to ignore them so they can continue to wallow in their warped opinion, since their only job is to criticize, demonize and thumb down on others’ efforts to score cheap political goal, but a little response to this misguided and baseless assertion that Senator Moro has not done anything is necessary.

Senator Moro was in Kogi, as leader of the minority caucus, to celebrate with his colleague who was marking her one year in office and using the occasion to formally commission her projects. The senator did not hide his admiration and happiness over what his colleague was able to achieve in one year. He was genuinely excited and visibly expressed that in the trending video.

It’s not true that the senator has not done what he went to commission in Kogi State, as being thoughtlessly and mischievously trended by some desperate politicians and their hallelujah boys and girls. Senator Moro has done and doing so much for which even his sincere opponents are thumbing him up.

The senator, who knows what empowerment means, has shared empowerment materials worth billions of naira to constituents in the last five years. He has secured jobs for countless numbers of youths and has lobbied for and executed/executing several projects such as roads, bridges, school buildings, healthcare centers, boreholes, rural electrification, etc to the admiration of his constituents.

One thing I have come to understand working with Senator Moro is that propaganda doesn’t win election neither does it add anything to one’s political fortune. He once told me that he didn’t need propaganda to work for his people or win election, that if he does anything for anybody or any community, the person or community knows, which is what matters.

I once advanced an idea for him to sit with some people and showcase his achievements. He asked for the cost, I told him. He said, “My brother, why do we have to spend such amount of money on this when that money can go a long way to solve some problems in our communities for some widows and orphans? I don’t need to showcase my achievements, those who are benefiting already know what we are doing. We can sit down but not for the basis of showcasing my achievements.” I couldn’t press further.

According to him, he’s not in public service to seek validation from people through propaganda or noise-making but to satisfy his conscience. And that’s why you can hardly see him in pictures with people he has helped with jobs or those he has helped one way or the other.

As his media aide, the senator can sneak into my village and sneak out without informing me, just so that he’s not given undue publicity. I’m sure many of his associates have had this same experience with him. He moves about with only his official car and orderly, unlike former this or former that who move about in long convoys with loud sirens to announce their presence, accompanied by litany of security details to intimidate the masses and appear ‘large’.

Senator Moro is a silent achiever. He has been very outstanding with his qualitative representation, which even some of those critics find incontestable. He continues to prove his mettle, leaving no one in doubt as to his competence and capacity as a lawmaker. The facts speak volume about him and the volume of his works attest to his quality as an indefatigable lawmaker who the cap perfectly fits.

The senator has so many things to his credits, which I won’t be able to mention exhaustively. He has sponsored bills and motions that are reshaping the country. His motions address the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians. One of his motions recently resulted in the landmark Supreme Court judgement that granted full autonomy to the local government system in the country.

Two of his establishment bills, unprecedentedly have been passed into law by the 10th Senate awaiting presidential assent.

As a grassroots politician, the senator knows exactly what the needs of his people are and he’s adequately addressing them. With the near-absence of governance at the local level, he has been going out of his way to facilitate laudable projects to Benue South, to provide the infrastructural needs of his people.

Some of the projects already executed or at various stages of completion include:

ROADS/BRIDGES

  1. Construction of Igaluwa road, in Otukpo LGA.
  2. Rehabilitation of Alheri street in Otukpo.
  3. Rehabilitation of Ochoga avenue in Otukpo.
  4. Construction of Ojira road, in Otukpo.
  5. Rehabilitation of Jamaica street in Otukpo.
  6. Rehabilitation of Hospital/Odiapa road, in Obi LGA.
  7. Ongoing construction of Ojapo-Ogege road, in Okpokwu LGA.
  8. 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.
  9. Construction of Odaburu bridge, in Owukpa district of Ogbadibo.
  10. Construction of River Ogbadibo bridge, in Otukpa district of Ogbadibo.
  11. Ongoing construction of Ikpochi-Okpudu bridge, in Itabono, Owukpa district of Ogbadibo LGA.
  12. Construction of Oru bridge, in Oju LGA (to be fully completed in the next budget year).
  13. Construction of erosion control/drainage system at Obu-Branch Otukpa, in Ogbadibo LGA.
  14. Construction of erosion control/drainage system in Ugbokolo, in Okpokwu LGA. Etc.

WATER PROVISION

  1. Provision of boreholes in Agatu communities.
  2. Provision borehole at Ad’Oju palace, in Oju LGA.
  3. Provision of borehole at Ad’Obi palace, in Obi LGA.
  4. Rehabilitation of PCI water works at Okpoga, in Okpokwu LGA.

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

  1. Distribution of medical equipment to Agatu communities.
  2. Construction of healthcare Centers in Okpokwu, Ohimini, Ado and Oju LGAs.
  3. Distribution of drugs to healthcare centers in Benue South.
  4. Construction of community clinic at Agadagba, in Ohimini LGA.
  5. Distribution of mini ambulance and Tele-health primary healthcare system/machine kiosk to selected primary health care centres in Benue South.
  6. Ongoing construction of healthcare centers in Otukpo, Obi, Apa and Agatu, as captured in the 2024 budget.

WOMEN AND YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT

  1. Distribution of motorcycles to Agatu youths.
  2. Distribution of mini buses, cars, motorcycles, refrigerators and generating sets to 1000s of constituents.
  3. Distribution of sewing and grinding machines to 1000s of Benue South women.
  4. Training of youths in ICT and distribution of branded laptops to them.
  5. Training of youths in agricultural value chain and empowerment with start-up grants, chickens, goats, pigs. Etc.

EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

  1. Construction of a block of classrooms at Ojantelle, in Apa LGA.
  2. Construction of a block of classrooms at Oba, in Apa LGA.
  3. Construction of a block of classrooms at Ogi, in Ado LGA.
  4. Construction of a block of classrooms at Otukpa, in Ogbadibo LGA.
  5. Construction of a block of classrooms at Odessasa, in Okpokwu LGA.
  6. Construction of a lecture hall at the Ugbokolo study centre of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
  7. Completion and furnishing of a mini library at Okete Community Secondary School, Otukpo-Icho in Otukpo LGA.

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

  1. Extension of 33kv dual carriage line along Otukpo-Enugu road.
  2. Electrification of Auke community in Apa LGA.
  3. Electrification of Ofoke-Ojapo communities in Apa LGA.
  4. Electrification of Olaidu/Ojigo communities, in Okpokwu LGA.
  5. Electrification of Ago community in Ogbadibo LGA.
  6. Electrification of Idikwu-Ankpali communities in Apa LGA.
  7. Electrification of Ipolo-Icho community, in Otukpo LGA.
  8. Ongoing electrification of Ublegi-Odebe-Otto communities in Ogbadibo LGA.
  9. Ongoing electrification of Adupi-Orokam community, in Ogbadibo LGA.
  10. Ongoing electrification of Ikpemgbe community, in Ado LGA.
  11. Ongoing electrification of Obene-Igwoke-Uwokwu communities, in Oju LGA.
  12. Ongoing electrification of Dankali-Onyagede communities, in Ohimini LGA.
  13. Ongoing electrification of Elulu-Oglewu communities, in Ohimini LGA.
  14. Ongoing electrification of Effiom community, in Okpokwu LGA.
  15. Purchase and distribution of transformers to various communities such as Obu-Branch in Ogbadibo, Ukwo-Owukpa in Ogbadibo, Ai’Itodo in Ogbadibo, Usha in Agatu, Odugbo in Apa, Rice Mill in Otukpo, Otada in Otukpo, Engila in Agatu, Udabi in Otukpo, Ipom in Otukpo, Ijegwu in Obi, Iwewe in Okpokwu, Ichakwu in Okpokwu, Ugbokolo in Okpokwu, etc.
  16. Purchase and installation of solar street lights in various communities of Benue South, etc.

OTHER INTERVENTIONS:

  1. Renovation and furnishing of Otukpo Police Command.
  2. Distribution of 1000s of bags of rice to constituents annually.
  3. Distribution of fertilizers to farmers, Etc.

These are all verifiable projects.

Senator Abba Moro is living up to expectations and not lacking in any area. He remains outstanding and quintessential, and is fully committed to providing the needed leadership and representation that’s beneficial to not just Benue South, but Benue State and Nigeria at large.

He’s, unarguably, one of the best senators in the 10th Senate. He’s not showcasing his achievements or making so much noise about them, as some of his critics would do when they lift a finger, but the beneficiaries of his kind gestures know and are appreciating him.

In the days, weeks, months and years to come, more projects will be initiated and executed for the good people of Benue South. More people-oriented bills and motions will be sponsored, and the voice of Benue South will continue to be heard very loud and clear on the floor of the senate.

Senator Moro will not be in the senate forever but for the years he will be on the stage, Benue South will continue to get better and better.

Nobody can do the job better!

Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, is the Media Adviser to the Senate Minority Leader.

Legislative, Judiciary Harmony Key to Justice Delivery, Good Governance – Kogi CJ

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There must always be a conscious progressive relationship amongst the three arms of government, particularly the Legislative and the Judiciary, for the sustenance of good governance. The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, said it is gainful for the Legislative and Judiciary arms of government to work hand-in-hand for effective administration of justice in the state and promotion of good governance.

The CJ made the call at the headquarters of the state Judiciary in Lokoja when he received the state’s House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Legal Matters in his office.

The committee was led by its Chairman, Hon. Halidu Usman Adejoh, who had his other members with him except the Vice Chairman, the Hon. Speaker of the House, who was unavoidably absent.

The CJ, in making his assertion, recalled that the judiciary had enjoyed the committee’s collaboration over the years with impactful effect on justice administration in the state. He noted that previous committee members didn’t fail in delivering through oversights and enactment of laws that have benefited the state.

“The collaborative relationship between the Judiciary and the House of Assembly, particularly the Committee on Judiciary, has grown from strength to strength.

“Both the committee and, by extension, the State House of Assembly have consistently upheld the status of the High Court and have, therefore, accorded the High Court, by implication the Judiciary, the respect it deserves as a fundamental arm of government.”

While thanking the committee for the visit and raising Judiciary’s hope for better days ahead, the CJ said it’s on record that the two arms had always been in harmony and assured that the Judiciary will always respect and honour the integrity of the legislative.

He added that the visit was indicative of legislative interest in building an enviable Judiciary for the state which would be adequately complemented by the Judges in the Judiciary whose integrities are not in doubt.

“We have honest, dedicated and trusted Judges whose integrities are not in doubt in the whole country. They have been at various Election Petitions Tribunals and I am pleased to inform you that none of us has been found wanting.

“So, as you move to have an enviable judiciary in the state, we will not fail the state. As the National Judicial Council is there watching the credibility of Judges nationwide, we will not fail our arms of government that are interested in producing an enviable Judiciary.’

The CJ however called for an urgent attention to Judiciary’s annual budgetary allocation stating that after payment of salary, the institution lacks the capacity to embark on pressing needs despite the huge responsibilities at it’s behest. Though confident of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s promises for the Judiciary, he said the state legislatures could also be supportive with the budgetary process

“One problem we have is that there has been no improvement in our yearly budgetary allocation. What is left after payment of salary can’t take care of most of our needs.

“Judiciary has the High Court, the Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal. The High Court alone has 247 Courts spread all over the state. They comprise the
High Court, Magistrate’s Court, Upper Area Court, Area Court and the Family Court. These courts are all under the High Court and we’re finding it difficult to even send imprest to them monthly. But I have taken this to His Excellency and just like you have said that you have interest in taking the judiciary to an enviable height, and even making it the best in the country, His Excellency too has said he would give us the needed attention and I believe him as one who makes his words bonds.”

Disclosing that though the governor has commendably demonstrated readiness to renovate courts in the state, he said if the conditions of the courts in the state were to go by, most courts in the state would be shut down due to their depreciated conditions and the state would be left with only few courts if there’s no urgent intervention. He urged the committee and other House members to endeavour to take assessment of courts in their respective constituencies to understand the extent of Judiciary’s needs.

“Please whenever you are at home, take time to go to the nearest court in your place to look at the structure and furniture to understand what I am saying. When I went to inspect one of our courts in the Central, I almost shed tears. I must tell you that I particularly appreciate my staff working there for their selflessness in bearing with such condition of work.

“It could have been better we shut down the court but by the time we do that and do same across the state, it will mean that all the courts in the state would be closed down except some High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts.

“The problem we have had over the years is that we are saddled with the responsibilities of these four categories of courts and we need separate budgetary provisions for them” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee had, while giving reasons for the visit, stated that it was not meant to examine records or scrutinize books but to connect and collaborate with the Judiciary to understand the challenges confronting the institution in order to integrate it into thier legislative framework.

“My lord, I want to clarify that our visit today is not an oversight visit. We are not here to examine records or scrutinize books. Instead, this is an opportunity to connect, collaborate and understand the challenges and needs facing the High Court and the Judicial Service Commission. This collaborative approach ensures that the uniqueness and perspectives of the judiciary are well-integrated into the legislative framework” according to him.

In addition, he said it was also intended to find a way of boosting the welfare of Judiciary workforce in such manners that the staff would not be lured by greener pastures outside the state. He said this would be achieved through a concerted effort that would ensure Judiciary workers enjoy career advancement that’s similar to those of the civil and legislative services just as he said that the Judiciary ought to be a promising field.

“Our further issue of significant importance, and one that deserves our focused attention, is creating pathways for the administrative staff within the judiciary to reach the peak of their careers, similar to their counterparts in the civil and legislative services of the state. Offering these dedicated individuals career advancement opportunities within the judiciary will foster loyalty, dedication and commitment. It will allow them to thrive in their roles without the constant lure of other “greener pastures,” because, indeed, the judiciary should be seen as an equally green and promising field.

“My lord, we are committed to building a supportive, progressive and resilient judicial system. Today’s visit is a testament to that commitment, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the judiciary for the benefit of all” he promised.

Other members of the Committee on the courtesy call who later went into closed-door meeting with the CJ
were Honorables Haruna Asema, Jacob Samuel, Ali Idris, Anthony Ujah, Sheidu Shehu and Otokiti Zakari.

The House’ Deputy Clerk and Permanent Secretary who also serves as the committee’s Clerk, Mr. Alfa Ndagi, was also on the visit.

Two members of the Council of Judges, Hon. Justices Abdul Awulu and Angelina Salihu, were with the CJ alongside Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Dr. Tanko Muhammed, the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Jubril Ibrahim, Esq and their Management members.

Kogi Commissioner lauds Governor Ododo for placing priority on merit in his appointments

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The newly appointment Commissioner in the states’ Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Salami Abdulraheem Okekenu, has Commended the state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for considering merit in appointing people to key positions in the state.

Speaking in Lokoja after his screening and clearance by the Kogi state House of Assembly, Okekenu noted that the governor has brought positive innovation to governance since his assumption of office in January this year.

He also lauded the governor for ensuring the continuity of all the projects initiated by the previous administration of former Governor
Yahaya Bello and the initiation of news once for the overall development and growth of the state.

He particularly commended the governor for activating agriculture across the state to guarantee food security, construction of rural feeder road to create asses for farmers to get their produce to the market and ensuring adequate security measures for the safety of the people.

Hon. Okekenu noted that the huge investment in education by the governor is to ensure that the children of the poor in the society had asses to quality education, saying that the payment of WAEC fee for children of Kogi origin in public schools is a further demonstration of Governor Ododo’s commitment to provide affordable and education for children of the less privileged in Kogi state.

He assured the Governor that he will work with his colleagues to promote good and all inclusive governance at the grassroot level as envisaged by Governor Ododo.

The Commissioner also commended the Accountant General of the state, Hajia Habibat Onumoko for standing very firm with the governor in his determination to transform the state.

He called on the AG who was a former permanent secretary in charge of the ministry of Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs, to continue to offer her superior advise for the group of local councils in the state.

Kogi State To Establish Special Economic Zone

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The Kogi State Government says it has commenced processes leading to the establishment of a special economic zone with the status of a free trade zone to be located in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor in the state.

According to Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor,
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo who was on a working visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi in Abuja on Tuesday seek the support of the management of NEPZA to make the proposed special economic zone which was conceived over ten years ago a reality.

The Governor who was accompanied on the visit by top officials of the Kogi state government, said the establishment of a special economic zone in the state is necessary to harness the abundant natural resources and to maximize the economic potential of the state given its strategic location as a connecting point between the north and the southern part of Nigeria.

He noted that Kogi state is endowed with numerous solid mineral resources in commercial quantities, arable land for agricultural production and top quality human resources that are waiting to be tapped with the establishment of a special economic zone.

The governor stressed that the proposed special economic zone will transform the state into a major hub for economic activities in the country as well as creating thousands of jobs opportunities for Nigerians.

He assured that all that is required on the part of the state government would be put in place as soon as possible to ensure the realisation of the project.

On his part, the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi said the authority would support the Kogi state government by activating processes that would lead to the timely approval, licensing and other assistance the state may require to secure the establishment of a special economic zone.

Dr Ogunyemi commended Governor Ododo for his handling of infrastructural development, welfare of workers and security of lives and property in the state.

Recall that, in line with procedures for the establishment of the proposed special economic zone, the Kogi state government had earlier allocated three thousand hectares of land in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor for the project to be funded by a Public Private Partnership arrangement.