Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is drifting, saying most citizens do not believe the country is on the right track despite 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule.
Speaking ahead of Democracy Day on June 12, Moro said the celebration is justified because Nigerians remain in democracy, but the quality of governance and party politics gives little cause for optimism.
“There is virtually no political party in Nigeria today that is not involved in one crisis or the other. All of them are facing litigation,” he said. He noted that only the PDP appears to have a semblance of cohesion with candidates already emerging for 2027.
Moro blamed frequent defections and instability on the absence of ideology in political parties. “Parties are just platforms to contest elections and gain power. That is why you find people moving from party A to B to C and back,” he stated.
On the economy, the Benue South senator said Nigerians are “hurting” under soaring inflation, rising unemployment and increasing poverty. He argued that reforms by the present administration have not aligned with the aspirations of the people.
“The reality on ground is that things are not going too well for the average Nigerian. In spite of efforts to ameliorate our circumstances, things are getting worse by the day,” Moro said.
He urged government to abandon what he called the “envelope system” of budgeting and adopt incremental budgeting focused on projects that are germane to citizens’ welfare.
Speaking on insecurity, the Minority Leader said killings and ambushes by armed groups have become daily occurrences, with communities in his district bearing the brunt.
He accused state governors of shirking responsibility despite controlling security votes and local government funds. “Swearing to protect lives and property is their primary duty, not sitting in government houses while people are killed in villages,” he said.
Moro said volunteer guards and Homeland Security outfits previously funded in Benue State are now neglected, leaving communities defenseless. He cited repeated attacks in parts of Benue South in January and April as evidence of lack of proactive action.
“Whether you call it asymmetric war or ambushes, it’s still war against the people. For how long will we endure these harrowing killings?” he asked, demanding coordinated security action and prosecution of those wielding AK-47.
On legislative performance, Moro defended the 10th Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio as it marked three years on June 13. He said about 844 bills have been received, 96 passed, 52 assented to, with 187 still undergoing legislative process.
He also highlighted the Senate’s consistency in passing budget proposals since the cycle moved from January-December, though he noted implementation remains the executive’s responsibility.
Looking to 2027, Moro dismissed reports of opposition to his re-election bid. “You don’t elect people by turn. You elect through elections. I intend to win and come back,” he said.
The Minority Leader said he has a “covenant” with Benue South constituents, pointing to health centers, water and electricity projects, classrooms, roads and bridges across the nine local governments as proof of impact. “For now, I am not done. My people are not done with me,” he concluded.
