The Igede people, occupying Oju and Obi Local Governments, of Benue South Senatorial district, who are those primarily affected by the proposed Otukpo- Oju road construction, will still have to endure a long wait, for Senator Patrick Abba Moro to fulfill his promise of constructing the 53 km road.
In late 2024, Moro performed the flag-off ceremony for the project on November 29th, but work has yet to commence. To make matters worse, Senator Abba Moro’s media officer, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, took to Facebook on January 21st, 2025, calling on Andyson Iji Egbodo, the “purported” Igede Youth President, to find Engineers from Igedeland to join the site Engineers in the support the project which was supposed to have commenced over 60 days ago. I mean, who sources for helping hands for a task that is yet to commence?
For clarity and accuracy, Emmanuel’s post reads “Chief Andyson Iji Egbodo, if you have anyone with Engineering background, recommend immediately for a part-time job. He will be working with the contractor handling the Otukpo-Obi-Oju road with effect from tomorrow” then he concluded by saying “Revert as soon as possible” This move was met with widespread criticism, with many of us seeing it as a blatant attempt to buy time and deflect responsibility.
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Fast forward to the present, and Andyson Iji Egbodo has revealed that he, along with some youth delegates, visited Senator Abba Moro to inquire about the project’s status. To put his words in perspective, it reads in part. “…met with the senator on a fact-finding mission because work has not commenced on Otukpo-Oju road”. Moro reportedly lamented the slow pace of work and promised that the project would be completed by 2027. However, there’s a glaring issue with this statement: how can a project that hasn’t even started being experiencing a slow pace of work? What is Andyson Iji Egbodo and his group of “Adult-youth” delegates not telling us? Did Andyson Iji Egbodo for a fact provide the Engineers his “friend” Eche’Ofun had inquired of him sometime in January? If he did, why did he not make it as public and laudable as the news of his visit to the Senator? For a request from Eche’Ofun that connotes “urgency” why did it take this long for the constituents to be briefed and why is the briefing not related to, either not finding the Engineers or finding them and what comes after it?
The discrepancy in the post by “Chief” Andyson on his Facebook profile raises serious questions about Moro’s commitment to his constituents and his ability to deliver on his promises. It’s unacceptable that the people of Igede have been left in the dark about the project’s status, with no clear explanation for the delays.
Does Moro truly not rate Oligede?
It’s worth noting that Senator Abba Moro’s visits to the zone are few and far between, usually coinciding with burials and electoral campaigns. This lack of engagement with his Igede constituents is a clear indication of his priorities. Why is the senator swift to attend burials in Igede land but never to do constituency briefing and what have you?
Read Also: ITCHES TO SCRATCH: Does Senator Abba Moro’s Shabby Projects Explain His View of Igede as an Ethnic Group
The recent visit by Andyson Iji Egbodo and his delegates to Senator Abba Moro’s office is a perfect example of this; Rather than the Senator taking the initiative to engage with his constituents, it was the youths who had to take the initiative to visit him. This speaks volumes about the power dynamics at play and the lack of regard that Senator Abba Moro has for his constituents of Igede descent.
The rumors that Senator Abba Moro doesn’t rate Igede people highly and has a disdain for them might not be far-fetched after all. His actions, or lack thereof, speak louder than words. The fact that he couldn’t even be bothered to provide a clear explanation for the delays or to offer a sincere apology for his failure to deliver on his promises is a clear indication of his attitude towards the people. On a lighter note, since the senator has a penchant for gracing burials and funerals, I am offering him a chance to come for my grandfather’s burial, this is an opportunity for him to record another “internment attending project” in Igede land, with the beer-parlour praise-singers shining teeth and taking ceaseless pictures with him.
What now?
As the people of Igede continue to wait for the promised road, they must demand more from their elected representatives. It’s time for Senator Abba Moroto to be held accountable for his broken promises and lack of transparency. The people deserve a representative who will prioritize their needs, engage with them regularly, and deliver on his promises.
The clock is ticking, Senator Abba Moro. The people of Igede deserve better. It’s time for you to step up and show that you’re committed to serving their interests. Anything less is unacceptable.
In fact, Abba Moro track record in office has been marked by controversy and unfulfilled promises. His tenure as Minister of Interior was marred by allegations of incompetence, including a botched recruitment drive that resulted in the death of 20 people, and now, as a Senate Minority Leader in the 10th assembly , several farm-road-esque bridges and the failed construction of the Otukpo-Oju road, the same which is rumoured to be a kidnappers’ most-favorite spot in the whole of Benue.
Despite these controversies, Abba Moro has continued to enjoy the support of some of his constituents who are his evelop-collecting loyalists, beer-parlour praise-singers and large-stomach adult-youths, who point to his efforts to bring development to the region. However, his failure to deliver on his promises, particularly with regards to the road project, has eroded trust and confidence in his leadership.
Enough of the masking of our selfish interests as “Igede interest” while we go about soliciting funds for the payment of our wards’ fees instead of charging for what benefits Igede, generally. As we look to the future, we must demand more from our elected representatives. We deserve leaders who will prioritize our needs, engage with us regularly, and deliver on their promises. Anything less is unacceptable.
Perspectives are entirely of the authors and do not reflect our position on issues.
