Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, has denied allegations that he attacked former Senate President David Mark over his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
LEADERSHIP reports that David Mark, who resigned from the PDP on June 27, now serves as the National Chairman of the ADC, a move that sparked widespread reactions, including accusations that some Benue South politicians had orchestrated attacks against him.
But, Moro, in a statement issued Wednesday, described the allegations as “laughable, very unfortunate, and uncharitable.” The Benue South Senator was responding to claims by political commentator, Adakole Elijah, who alleged that Moro had instigated youths to verbally attack Mark following his departure from the PDP.
Recall that Elijah had written on social media that “a certain indigenous potentate has clandestinely enlisted a coterie of youths from a particular quadrant of the Benue South Senatorial District.” He further claimed that “Senator Abba Moro has been at the forefront of these attacks,” attributing the alleged hostility to frustration over Mark’s defection.
However, Moro dismissed the claims as baseless and defamatory, insisting he has maintained a respectful and cordial relationship with Mark, whom he described as a statesman and elder deserving of honour.
“For the record, I have never spoken a word against Senator David Mark, not before and not since his defection from the PDP,” Moro said.
“In fact, I have consistently hushed supporters from making disparaging remarks about the political development in Benue South and insisted that the right of association being expressed by the defectors must be respected.”
He emphasised that his principles would never allow him to praise Mark’s leadership history in one breath and vilify him in another.
“As a principled public servant, I can never and will never insult Senator David Mark. What I saw in him yesterday is what I see in him today,” he said.
“I was not brought up in the tradition of insulting elders. I hold Senator David Mark in very high esteem and will always accord him the respect he deserves.”
Moro also denied having any connection to online attacks or political smear campaigns allegedly carried out by social media operatives.
“I don’t keep social media urchins, and I don’t need them to remain relevant in Benue South politics,” he declared.
Calling for unity among political leaders and their supporters, Moro urged Elijah and other critics to use their platforms for constructive dialogue rather than stoking division.
“Benue South is better off as a united people, and not even political platforms should make anyone demonise another,” he said.
He concluded by urging the public to be discerning in their consumption of online content. “People must learn to scrutinise information before accepting it as fact.”
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