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  • ADC: Moro, Chinda reject coalition, say political gang-up won’t work

    ADC: Moro, Chinda reject coalition, say political gang-up won’t work

    Senator Abba Moro, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the National Assembly, and House Minority Leader, Honourable Kingsley Chinda, have distanced themselves from the ongoing coalition talks within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    In a Facebook video, Senator Moro—who represents Benue South and is a long-time loyalist of Senator David Mark—firmly stated: “I’m not joining any coalition, I’ve not joined any coalition, I do not intend to join any coalition. I think the politics of gang-up is not a solution to our problems.”

    Speaking separately with The Nation, Hon. Chinda echoed Moro’s stance, affirming his continued loyalty to the PDP. He argued that the coalition effort was fundamentally flawed and bound to fail.

    “I agree with him (Senator Moro) completely. I won’t join or ask anyone to join their coalition,” Chinda said. “It won’t work—I’ve seen the litigations and internal conflicts brewing within their ranks. Their agenda is already collapsing under its own weight.”

    Their statements align with a similar declaration by the Imo State chapter of the PDP, which also rejected any involvement in the ADC coalition, reaffirming its commitment to the PDP.

    Senator Abba Moro, who stated that he was first elected into office under the PDP platform in 1999, explained his stand further:

    “I became a member of the People’s Democratic Party in 1998, in its formative years so, I think I am qualified to see myself as a founding member of the PDP, as one of the first sets of those elected on the platform of that party.

    “Precisely on December 8, 1998, local government elections were conducted across the country, and I contested, won and on May 29, 1999, I became the executive chairman of Okpokwu local government in Benue state.

    At various other times, I was council chairman, either as a caretaker chairman or as an elected chairman, and I was the ALGON chairman of Benue State.

    “I have come a long way with the PDP, I have never defected, never joined any other party and as I’m talking to you now, I’m a bona fide member of PDP.

    “I’m not joining any coalition, I’ve not joined any coalition, I don’t intend to join any coalition, and quite frankly, I think that we should approach Nigeria with a serious mind of electing people who are prepared to govern this country for the people of Nigeria.

    “I think it is inappropriate to begin to take decisions based on grievances, based on failed expectations, arising from frustrations of rising expectations, and so, today, I want to encourage all of us to utilise existing platforms to run elections.

    “I know that there are some limitations, there are some concerns about some of the policies of the present administration, I know that people are hurting, I know that people think that enough has not been done.

    “But I think the politics of gang up is not a solution to our problems; and so I think that if we are heading in the wrong direction, we should be able to retrace our steps and head in the right direction,” Moro stated in the video address to his supporters.

    In a statement sent by the Imo state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiaku Lancelot Ifeanyi to The Nation in Abuja, the Imo State PDP Chairman, Rt. Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, the party warned members and the general public to disregard the false narratives being peddled by disgruntled former PDP members who are hoping to destabilise the party, stressing that they will not be part of such an agenda.

    “These baseless claims are the handiwork of failed politicians driven by selfish interests and personal gain; there is no coalition whatsoever, PDP remains committed to its values and principles, and will resist any attempt to undermine its integrity,” he stated.

    Read Also: Why ADC can never be like ANC

    The Imo state PDP further alleged that intelligence reports ongoing attempts by some individuals to divide the party and weaken its strength, especially in Imo State, with the unrealistic hope of gaining support for their coalition agenda.

    Emphasizing that the Imo state chapter of the PDP will not succumb to any agenda that is in pursuit of a power shift to the North in 2027, they asserted that such agenda which is being secretly championed by some leaders of the ‘coalition’ clearly represents a betrayal of the PDP’s long-standing tradition of power rotation.

    While reiterating that the PDP is open to welcoming new members, the statement emphasised that it would not be part of any political arrangement that compromises the party’s core principles.

    Party members across Imo State were urged to remain vigilant, ignore the “false narratives,” and stay committed to ensuring the PDP’s victory in the 2027 elections.

    “Together, we will ensure that PDP remains the dominant force in Imo State and Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

  • Akpabio, Barau, Moro, Lawan mourn Lagbaja

    Akpabio, Barau, Moro, Lawan mourn Lagbaja

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.Gen Taoreed Lagbaja as a fine officer, who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.

    Akpabio said he received the news of the death of the late military chief with shock a few days after he had spoken with the President and was upbeat about his return to office.

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying: “I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.

    “He was a fine, committed and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.

    “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON, the military community, the larger Lagbaja family on this great loss.

    “I pray that Almighty Allah, grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah firdaus.”

    Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin extolled Lagbaja’s virtues in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, saying he contributed immensely to the overall security sector of the country.

    “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died last night in Lagos after a period of illness.

    “Lt. General Lagbaja served with honour, courage and dedication throughout his distinguished military career. His appointment as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, reflected his confidence in his leadership, vision and commitment to the security of our nation.

    “Lt. General Lagbaja’s life was marked by a relentless devotion to Nigeria and its people. His legacy will be remembered not only in the annals of our Armed Forces but in the hearts of all who knew and respected his work.

    “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends and the Nigerian Army and the entre Armed Forces.  May his soul rest in peace and may his service and sacrifice continue to inspire us all,” he said.

    Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, on behalf of the senate minority caucus, mourned the demise of Lagbaja.

    Senator Moro described the late COAS as a gallant and successful officer who gave his all to the country and died in active service.

    Read Also: Lagbaja was a courageous, loyal, dedicated officer, says CDS

    The Senate Minority Leader said Lagbaja’s time as Chief of Army Staff saw a great push against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping that are plaguing the country.

    He said as the nation mourns the untimely demise of the gallant officer, he hoped that his successor would fit perfectly into the shoes left behind and frontally tackle the security challenges confronting the country and continue to protect her territorial integrity, to achieve the late General’s dreams of a secured and peaceful nation.

    Senator Moro extended his condolences to the wife of the deceased, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, the entire family, the President and Commander-In-Chief of armed forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army. He charges them to be consoled with the knowledge that the late General lived an impactful life and has gone to rest with his creator.

  • Leave Alia alone, pursue full LG autonomy, Onjeh tells Sen. Moro

    Leave Alia alone, pursue full LG autonomy, Onjeh tells Sen. Moro

    Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has responded to the recent comments by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro on the October 5 local government elections in Benue.

    Onjeh criticised the Benue South Senator for the continued attacks on the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, urging him to refocus his energy on promoting legislations that would benefit the citizenry, rather than exploiting the dais of the Senate to advance selfish and parochial interests.

    The former Benue South senatorial candidate alleged Moro has been restless since the APC’s landslide victory in the local government polls.

    Onjeh pointed out Moro’s opposition to Governor Alia’s earlier decision to suspend local government administrations in Benue State, following the Assembly’s indictment of financial mismanagement, is another example of the Senator’s flawed approach to governance.

    Onjeh recalled how Moro moved a Motion on the Senate floor calling for the suspension of statutory allocations to Benue LGs, disregarding the welfare of LG employees and retirees, and prioritising narrow interests over the collective well-being of the people.

    Read Also: Oba of Benin asks Okpebholo to fulfill campaign promises

    “Fortunately, Sen. Moro’s politically-motivated Motion fell flat on the Senate floor because it was clear that he was not acting in the national interest,” Onjeh remarked.

    Onjeh further noted that assuming, but not conceding that the Benue LG poll was flawed as alleged by Moro, the senator still lacked the moral standing to complain, particularly given the PDP’s history of electoral fraud during its long tenure in power.

    He advised Moro to redirect his energies towards championing local government autonomy in the Senate, which would establish an independent Local Government Electoral Commission and ensure the efficiency of local governance rather than “wailing over spilled milk.”

    Onjeh congratulated all the winners of the Benue council elections, particularly those from Benue South and urged them to ensure prudence and financial accountability in managing local government funds under the newly-granted financial autonomy.

    He emphasised that they must uphold the values of the APC and work towards developing Benue South in line with Governor Alia’s vision.

  • Ortom, Moro, Uba, others pay tribute to Ngbede’s late mother

    Ortom, Moro, Uba, others pay tribute to Ngbede’s late mother

    The mother of Sir John Ngbede, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Benue State, Mrs Otiti Ilodu Ngbede who died recently was today laid to rest in Obagaji, Agatu local government area.

    Prominent sons and daughters of the state who were at the funeral included the immediate past governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, his Deputy Engr Benson Abounu, Senator Abba Moro, 2023 PDP governorship candidate in the state, Rt Hon Titus Uba, wife of former Senate President, Helen Mark, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon Ojema Ojotu and members of the Benue State Working Committee of PDP who were led to the burial by the Deputy State Chairman of the party, Isaac Mffo.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: All past Ondo governors dead except Mimiko

    Paying tribute to the matriarch of the Ngbede Obochi family, Chief Ortom said the deceased was a good woman who touched many lives positively and was committed to the service of God and humanity.

    Earlier in a homily, the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev Dr Oliver Ali Abba tasked Christians to always live in a way they would be remembered for their good deeds when they are gone.

  • David Mark can’t be intimidated, says Moro

    David Mark can’t be intimidated, says Moro

    Former Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro has said the invitation of former Senate President David Mark by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation, last week, has proved that the commission’s anti-corruption war is targeted at perceived opponents of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).

    Mark was invited by the anti-graft agency on account of his alleged involvement in some financial dealings when he held sway as the number-one lawmaker in the country.

    Reacting to the development, Moro, who is a chieftain of PDP and strong ally of the ex-Senate President, wondered why the travail of Mark in the hands of EFCC was coming at a time his supporters were making passionate call on him to contest for the presidency in 2019.

    “It is an unfortunate development and it goes to confirm my fears that the EFCC fight against corruption is tainted with vindictive essential and targeted at perceived political opponents of the APC.“

    “The so called quizzing of the immediate past senate president, Senator David Mark is generating avoidable innuendos, insinuations and conjectures. It is curious that the quizzing of the immediate past senate president is coming at the heals of the clamour by a cross section of Nigerians that Senator Mark should present himself to contest to be president in 2019. I just don’t want to believe that Senator Mark’s current travails is connected to the audacity of his supporters asking him to contest to be president in 2019. This is a sad commentary on the democratic credentials of 21st century Nigeria.

    “We just hope that Senator Mark’s invitation is handled a lot carefully that it doesn’t snowball into any ugly incidents. It is highly reprehensible that this is happening to Sen. David mark, a man who has given his all to Nigeria and has handled all his national assignments with dexterity, transparency and high ethical standards.”

    He added: “This latest bizarre action of the anti-graft agency will not deter Nigerians from expressing their genuine concern for the deteriorating state of the nation and the desire to enthrone a more humane government that will execute a more people oriented policies to ameliorate the living conditions of the average Nigerian.

    “This macabre attempt by the EFCC to blackmail Sen. David Mark and slander his hard earned integrity will not succeed in deterring him from contesting to be president of Nigeria if he so desires and if it is the wish of Nigerians.”

  • PDP convention was transparent, says Moro

    PDP convention was transparent, says Moro

    Former Minister of Interior Comrade Patrick Abba Moro has described the national elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the most transparent, successful and peaceful convention ever conducted by the party.

    Moro, a chieftain of the PDP from Benue State, who made the remark in an interview in Abuja, noted that the dissolved National Caretaker Committee (NCC), led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, eventually kept to its promise to ensure transparency and fairness in the conduct of the election of new national officers.

    He added: “The convention was very okay and we hope that we will be able to come out of the convention a lot stronger, more formidable and more prepared to take on the role of opposition. Quite frankly it was all excitement in the run up to the convention. “Everybody was very eager. I think that going through the memory lane, this has been one of the most peaceful, successful convention of the PDP that I have ever witnessed. I understand that some persons are not quite happy with the outcome of the election. It is understandably so, because in a contest there are definitely some persons who will lose and some persons who will win. And of course, all manner of reasons are given for either winning or losing.”

    Noting that he had raised alarm few days to the convention expressing fears that the PDP was yet to learn from past mistakes, the ex-minister said: “I actually raised some basic fears of potential manipulation of the electoral process, the fear of a possible implosion and the need for the leadership of the party (the dissolved Ahmed Makarfi-led NCC) to take appropriate steps in ensuring free, fair, credible election where the votes of the delegates would count. As a party man, I think that was a legitimate fear especially against the backdrop of people grumbling and crying hidden agenda, crying impunity and crying imposition.”

  • Moro: War against corruption, a plus for Buhari

    Moro: War against corruption, a plus for Buhari

    Former Minister of Interior Comrade Patrick Abba Moro has hailed the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the fight against corruption, which he described as a major factor responsible for Nigeria’s economic backwardness and underdevelopment.

    Moro, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who served under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, however, faulted the approach adopted by Buhari to execute the anti-corruption war.

    The ex-Minister spoke in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the anti-graft war. He said: “The emphasis on the fight against corruption in the current dispensation is more on punishment than change. We are emphasising punishment for corrupt practices rather than changing corrupt practices or nipping in the bud corrupt practices. The war against corruption must be fought very, very transparently to elicit from the average Nigerian some level of credibility.” It may be merely coincidental that only a certain section of the Nigerian community is being prosecuted for corrupt practices, essentially people who participated in the last PDP government who are not members of the APC (All Progressives Congress) government now.

    “As long as that is the perception of the average Nigerian, the fight against corruption lacks credibility. Don’t for forget that sometimes perceptions are a reality. And as long as it lacks credibility, the feeling is that it is only those who are in the opposition party now that are being persecuted. Allegations have been made against persons who either were in PDP or were in other political parties or were in positions of leadership, but who have moved to APC they are walking freely on the street. Similar allegations have been made against PDP members who participated in the last government, such allegations have been promptly investigated and such persons are facing trials in various courts in the land.”

    Moro added: “I want to say this very frankly that in the interest of this country, it is a plus for President Muhammadu Buhari to see corruption as a cankerworm that has eaten very deep into the fabric of our nation Nigeria. It is also a credit to him that he feels determined to fight this very albatross that has contributed in no small way to the underdevelopment of this country. But the approach definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement.

    And so, I think that while we are sanctioning those who have been proven to have defrauded this country, corrupted the system, we must at the same time draw up an appropriate roadmap towards preventing corruption rather than punishing corruption, because punishing corruption is just a scratch on the surface. It is just a tip of the iceberg. Like they say, you can only correct mistakes; you cannot change mistakes that have already been made. Therefore, the question that readily comes to mind is, in punishing corruption, can we be able to stamp out corruption? Also, I have continued to insist that corruption in Nigeria is predominantly more attitudinal than institutional. And the emphasis must be placed on refraining, remolding and re-orientating the attitude.”

    Moro said the civil society and non-governmental organisations which agitated for good governance during the Jonathan administration have lost their voices.

    He said: “In the twilight of the life of the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, and even within the period of his administration, various save Nigeria organizations sprang up, various civil society organizations sprang up agitating for good governance – very good! We had the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG). We had social activists all over the country agitating for good governance and the removal of Goodluck Jonathan’s government. In the course of trying to rectify basic anomalies in the petroleum sector, ex-President Jonathan attempted to remove oil subsidy because it was discovered that the whole concept was becoming some kind of scam, was becoming some kind of conduit through which a very large chunk of the commonwealth was being frittered away.

    Moro added social activists, save Nigeria organizations, occupy Nigeria organizations sprang up to say no to removal of oil subsidy! When former President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to raise the pump price of petroleum product, same organizations sprang up, agitated, promising to make Nigeria ungovernable for the government. Today, the Nigerian people are virtually pauperized, the Nigerian people are hungry. The Nigerian people are at a loss as in the direction of governance.

     

     

    Yet, apart from isolated instances, all of a sudden the various civil society organizations, the various save Nigeria organisations, the various occupy Nigeria organizations, the various agitators have gone cold and no longer talking when nothing seems to have changed and things appear to have even become worst. I said with a few exceptions because recently the Bring Back Our Girls stood up to say that not much has been done in the drive towards solving the problem of the Chibokgirls. And they have been in the forefront campaigning as it were, as it was in the beginning against the plight of the so-called Chibokgirls.”

  • Ex-Interior minister Moro, others re-arraigned

    Ex-Interior minister Moro, others re-arraigned

    Former Interior Minister Abba Moro was yesterday re-arraigned before  the Federal High Court, Abuja, for his role in the botched 2014  Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise.

    He was, on February 29, arraigned with a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwobia, an ex-director, Felix .O Alayebami and a firm, Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited,  on an 11-count charge.

    They were accused of defrauding 675, 675 applicants of about N675,675,000, having being made to pay N,1000 each as processing fees for 5,000 job openings.

    The four defendants were also accused of breaching the Public Procurement Act No. 65 of 2007, in the award of the contract for the organisation of the recruitment test to Drexel Tech Nigeria Ltd.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty, following which the trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba allowed them to remain on the bail earlier granted them.

    He adjourned till June 8 for the commencement of trial.

    Their re-arraignment yesterday before Justice Dimgba was informed by the withdrawal by the former trial judge, Justice Anwuri Chikere.

    Trial was to commence before Justice Chikere on April 27, when suddenly she brought proceedings to a close by announcing her withdrawal from the case, citing “personal reasons”.

  • Immigration boss carpets ex-minister Moro

    Immigration boss carpets ex-minister Moro

    The Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Martin Abeshi has denounced claims by former Minister of Interior Abba Moro that the service lacks the capacity to produce international passport booklets and the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card.

    Abeshi said the service has the capacity to produce the two security documents if adequately funded.

    Moro had told a public hearing by the House Committee on Interior last Wednesday that the agreements the immigration service had with different private companies were not judiciously implemented.

    But reacting to this at the weekend in a chat with newsmen, Abeshi said the NIS has well trained personnel who could produce the international passport booklets and the CERPAC cards.

    According to him: “Moro is entitled to his opinions. If he says we don’t have capacity to produce international passport, what did he do about that in the period he stayed as Minister of Interior?

    “I don’t believe we don’t have the capacity to produce passports. We have it with the calibre of staff by their training and we have more than enough if available funds are given to us.”

    Abeshi stated that the service plans to hold its CG annual conference and stakeholder’s interactive forum on April 6-8 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

    He explained that the forum would assess the performance of the NIS so far against global best practices as well as evaluate papers presented, opinions and positions reached to fairly administer immigration laws, practices and other related instruments.

  • Court admits Moro to bail on self recognition

    Court admits Moro to bail on self recognition

    Justice Anwuli Chikere of the  Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to an ex-Minister of Interior, Abba Moro on self recognition.

    The judge granted two others, charged with the ex-Minister – former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwobia, and former director in the ministry, Felix .O Alayebami – N100million and one surety in like sum.

    The surety, the judge said, must be a public servant in either federal or state department or agency. They are to deposit title documents to their property worth N100m.

    Justice Chikere directed Moro and others to submit their international passports to the court.

    The judge ordered that Mrs. Mrs Daniel-Nwobia should remain on the administrative bail earlier granted him pending when she is able to perfect the bail granted her by the court.

    Moro and Alaiyegbami are to remain in prison custody until they are able to meet the bail conditions.

    The judge said Moro, having served as a minister, was a senior citizen, who had served the country, would submit himself for trial and attend court when necessary.

    She held that the prosecution was unable to prove that the defendants would interfere with investigation or prosecution witnesses.

    The judge said it was for the prosecution to prove that the defendants were capable of interfering with prosecution witnesses, destroy evidence or interfere with investigation.

    She noted that the prosecution has admitted completing investigation.

    Moro, Daniel-Nwobia and  Alaiyebami    were arraigned on Monday with Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited over their alleged involvement in the botched 2014 recruitment exercise of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) while Moro was Minister.

    They were accused of defrauding 675, 675 graduate applicants of about N675,675,000 having been made to pay N1000 each as processing fees for 5,000 (five thousand) job openings.

    The four defendants also were accused of breaching the Public Procurement Act, No. 65 of 2007 in the award of the contract for the organisation of the recruitment test to Drexel Tech Nigeria Ltd.

    Although they pleaded not guilty to the charge, Justice Anwuli Chikere ordered the remand of Moro and Alaiyegbami in Kuje prison, Abuja and allowed Mrs. Daniel_Nwobia, said to be a nursing mother, to remain on the bail earlier granted her by the EFCC, pending the determination of their bail applications.

    Justice Chikere has adjourned to April 27 for commencement of trial.