The Benue State Government has challenged Senator Abba Moro representing the Southern senatorial zone of the State at the National Assembly to present his scorecard in office rather than resorting to tactics of distraction by blaming Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his shortcomings.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon Odoh Ugwu, who gave the challenge while responding to the media attack on the State Governor by Senator Moro, expressed utter disappointment over Moro’s media interview which he noted was characterised by reckless torrent of falsehoods, distortions, and desperate political propaganda”.
Ugwu noted that Senator Moro in his desperation to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, went about with reckless and unverified falsehood and fake news that have no bearing whatsoever with the true position of things in the State.
The commissioner who hails from the same senatorial zone with Moro, noted that at a time when Benue South is grappling with security challenges that demand collective responsibility, Senator Abba Moro chose the ignoble path of dancing on the graves of those killed by senseless marauders for political gain.
Ugwu said that rather than supporting Governor Alia in his efforts to combat the hydra-headed insecurity, Senator Moro appeared determined to politicise the pain of innocent citizens in pursuit of cheap political relevance, stressing that the people of Benue South deserve better.
According to Ugwu; “As the Senator representing Benue South, Senator Moro owes the people answers. Beyond endless television appearances and press interviews, what tangible interventions has he made to improve security, attract development, empower the youth, or alleviate the hardship facing the people?
“Leadership is measured by action, not by sensational media outings or endless attempts to shift blame in order to cover up his failure after over seven years in the Red Chamber,” he stated.
Ugwu explained that his attention was drawn to Senator Moro’s appearance on AIT, where he claimed to have augmented the ₦150,000 pledge made by a commissioner in Governor Alia’s administration to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
The commissioner challenged Senator Moro present to the public credible evidence to support his claim of augmenting the N150,000 he pledged instead of making sweeping claims on national television.
Ugwu r said; “Listening to Moro sounded petty and projected a negative image of a man of his status while exposing a troubling level of desperation. Public office demands accountability, not sensationalism.
“It has become increasingly evident that dragging Governor Alia’s name into every political conversation has become Senator Moro’s preferred strategy for remaining politically relevant, apparently serving as the only campaign message available to defend what many perceive as his poor performance in the Red Chamber as the representative of the good people of Benue South.
“This recurring pattern of accusations and media attacks does not advance the interests of Benue South; it only exposes a style of politics built on distraction rather than solutions. It is time for Senator Moro to show his scorecard instead of manufacturing controversies,” he stressed.
The Commissioner noted that Governor Alia has demonstrated uncommon fairness and inclusiveness towards Benue South, adding that his administration entrusted the zone with some of the most strategic ministries in government, including Finance, Education, Health, Women Affairs, Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and Information.
In the words of Ugwu; “These are critical ministries that continue to deliver meaningful policies and programmes for the benefit of all Benue people.
“No amount of political blackmail, misinformation, or character assassination can erase the visible achievements of the Governor Alia administration. The people of Benue South are politically conscious and cannot be manipulated by recycled propaganda or imaginary narratives designed to mislead the public.
“Senator Abba Moro should understand that the era when political actors could manufacture stories and expect the people to accept them without scrutiny is over. Benue people are wiser, better informed, and now demand evidence, performance, and integrity from those who seek to lead them.
“I therefore call on Senator Moro to abandon the politics of bitterness and false narratives and focus instead on the responsibility entrusted to him by the people of Benue South. “The mandate of the people is not a licence for endless media attacks against a Governor who is working tirelessly to curb insecurity, restore peace, rebuild institutions, and deliver development across the state.
“Benue South deserves a Senator who unites rather than divides; a Senator who provides effective representation and works to solve the problems of the people, not one who runs to the media with what I consider baseless allegations and seeks to exploit the suffering of the people for political advantage,” he said.
The commissioner said that the people are watching and history will judge Senator Moro not by the volume of his propaganda and false accusations, but by the weight of his contributions to the progress of Benue South.
“Why this sudden awakening from political slumber? Where was Senator Moro during the administration of Samuel Ortom? Was he not serving in government at the time? Did insecurity begin with the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia?
“Is this how Senators in other states attack their Governors daily, or do they work together in the interest of their people? Across the country, responsible leaders collaborate to find lasting solutions to insecurity and support affected communities instead of engaging in endless public attacks.
“Senator Moro, this strategy of constantly attacking Governor Alia is outdated. It will not rewrite your record, and it will not earn you the confidence of the people.
“The people of Benue South are wiser today. They can distinguish between genuine leadership and political propaganda, between performance and mere noise. They deserve facts, results, and leadership that puts their interests above personal political ambition,” Ugwu stated.
