Abba Moro and the Awolowo philosophy

By Steve Anyebe .

The late Nigerian Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, held the belief that it is the duty of the small group of elites in each society to chart the way forward for that society. As far as he was concerned, not to undertake that task was to be an irredeemable failure in life.

Chief Awolowo defined the elite to incorporate such elements in any society, especially the typical Nigerian society of his time, who had been fortunate enough to acquire some level of formal education that endowed them with some advantages.

So how does an advantaged person, or group, chart the way forward for his/their society? The simple answer is that the elite must relate with the society closely enough to ascertain the society’s aspirations, needs, desires, and dreams. Such an oportuned person should be able to have a sense of group feeling, and be in a position to prioritize group needs.

In present day Nigeria, the above exposition should be the thrust of representative political practice. Unfortunately, how many Nigerian politicians understand the Awolowo philosophy? How many even have any cogent reason for dabbling into politics apart from regarding political positions as national cake to be shared? It is from this context that Benue South is lucky that her representative in the Red Chamber can be said to be an Awoist.

The relationship Comrade Senator Abba Patrick Moro has maintained with his constituents has been worthy of emulation. First of all, Senator Moro demonstrated a preference for developmental politics as against the usual Party politics where elected officials erroneously favour only members of the political party that they came to power through. Moro’s realization should be the yardstick to measure performance because elected representatives are, in reality, for all their electorates, including those who voted against them and even non voters. Afterall the road from the Obarike-Ito Center to the General Hospital is used by all irrespective of party membership.

Another aspect in which Comrade Moro has demonstrated inclusiveness in political practice is in the way he attends social functions, again non partisan. Be it launchings, burials, marriages, graduation ceremonies, sports meets, cultural festivals, Senator Abba Moro seems to have developed a knack for appearing at occasions, even uninvited, and “participating fully”(if you know what I mean). Such gestures leave lasting impressions on the hosts and demonstrates the spirit of always being in touch.
Constituency empowerment programs initiated by Dist Senator Abba Moro have so far shown the ideas of a man in touch with global realities and development trends. Benue South, being an agrarian community, many have been trained on ways of harvesting the gains of agricultural chain values. And realizing the role of the computer and Internet in present global dealings, Moro has also embarked on Digital Skills Training for youths of Benue South without bias to party affiliations, religion or tongue. This is how politics should be practised.

The recent distribution of consumable gift items for Christmas and New Year celebrations has added to push Comrade Moro further out as a modern day politician who knows that everyone is part of his Constituency and should be serviced. Here again the distribution was not restricted to PDP members.
The recent visit of Dist Senator Abba Patrick Moro to Jesus College Otukpo, to condole the Ikwiyatum family, is nothing short of emotional attachment to the feelings of others. The family had lost three children in a domestic fire which gutted their house at midnight. Though nothing can bring back the dead, yet such a visit from a political representative could be a soothing balm to a large extent.
Let me not dream all my dreams in one sleep span, but other legislators certainly have many leaves to borrow from Distinguished Comrade Senator Abba Patrick Moro