By Egbe Attah
The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Senator Abba Moro has urged his constituents to unite and support their political leaders and traditional rulers, in order to come up with workable advice that will end the spate of killings in the land.
Moro, who gave the advice on Sunday at Obarike-Ito when he went to visit the people of Igede to observe the annual Igede Agba festival with them said, as a people they must unite and shun the idea of permanent enmity in the face of the unfolding insecurity.
“We must unite as one, and as your representative, I promise to be your partner,” he averred.
Senator Moro said traditionally, he usually celebrated the festival with Oju and Obi people and this year he had come to join them, whether the celebration was high or low-keyed.
He recognized the fact that this year’s festival was on a low key for several reasons, among them which is the series of calamities, which have claimed the lives of their beloved ones and have made them unhappy.
“I am also using today to remember my good friends who lost their lives on their way to the venue of my campaign rally in Agatu Local Government in 2018. I always miss them.
“Another reason why the celebration is understandably low-keyed is because of recent events occasioned by the communal clashes between the Okpute and Bonta communities in Oju and Konshisha Local Government Areas respectively.
“These clashes have led to the death of so many of our friends and relatives, and many valuables destroyed.
“I can assure you that I’m working assiduously with government and governor of Benue State to ensure that peace returns to the warring communities.
“Very soon all stakeholders from the two local government areas and myself will come together to proffer solution to the problem.
“I am in public service for one reason, which is to make a difference in the lives of the people.
“Because I represent you at the National Assembly, everyday I think about you.
“Igede is part of my success story and I will work for you. I thank you for the honour, I promise to continue to identify with you at all times.
“For voting me to go to the National Assembly, you have invested your capital, and you must reap the benefits. I will deliver to you the dividends of voting me into power within the limit of my capacity. This I can assure you,” he said.
Receiving the Senator in his palace in Obi, the Ad’Utu Obi, Chief Chris Ijale, said his subjects were happy to have him in their land for the celebration.
His words: “You are one of the best things that the Lord has done for us.
“You have displayed capacity overtime. In our turbulent moments, you are always there with us.
“ You have raised so many motions on behalf of our people. Where we have no voice, you are our voice. “We are very happy.
“The road leading to the General Hospital is the first tarred road that we have witnessed in Obi, aside the federal road. Thanks to you. We are not taking that for granted.
“The street lights we are enjoying in the LGA are procured and installed by you. Our people are very happy with you.
“We would have used this year’s Igede Agba celebration to honour you, but we decided to shift it. We will honour you, because you deserve our honour. Honour is given to whom it’s due. You deserve all our honour.
“You are representing us effectively at the National Assembly and we cannot shy away from it. At the appropriate time, we will reciprocate the gesture.
“God has always been with you, so remain focused and do not be distracted by detractors. We are very grateful to have you in our midst to celebrate our cultural festival with us.”
Also speaking, Chief Emmanuel Obagi praised the senator for his qualitative representation in the Senate.
He said: “Your appearance on the floor of the Senate in Igede traditional attire is something that has further popularized the Igede nation and we are very happy with you on that.
“Your projects in Igede land are very many and visible to everyone. We will all work for you and be with you always.”
From Obi, Senator Moro proceeded to the palace of Adirahu’Igede, HRM Chief Oga Ero, in Oju where he congratulated his him and prayed for progress, peace and development of Igede land and Benue South at large.
He assured the people that he would continue to be their voice and work hard to attract developmental projects to them.
The Adirahu’Igede commended the senator for his untiring efforts towards the development of Benue South. He prayed God to grant him the grace and strength to carry on with his good deeds.