Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has responded to the recent comments made by Sen. Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, over the 5th October 2024 Local Government elections in Benue State.

In his statement, Com. Onjeh criticized Sen. Moro’s continued attacks on the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, urging him to refocus his energy on promoting legislation that would benefit the citizenry, rather than exploiting the dais of the senate to advance his selfish and parochial interests.

According to Onjeh, Sen. Moro has been restless since the APC’s landslide victory in the local government polls, with his unprovoked outbursts being obviously indicative of his discomfort due to the complete loss of his vice-like grip over the administration of his local government.

“Fortunately, Sen. Moro’s politically-motivated Motion against LGs 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 Sen. 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 spilt 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 emphasized that they must uphold the values of the APC and work towards developing Benue South in line with Governor Alia’s vision.

Finally, Onjeh encouraged Sen. Moro and the PDP to focus on building a credible opposition that can contribute positively to governance in Benue State. “The time for politics is over; it is now time for governance,” Onjeh concluded.