Comrade Mnenga
By Damian Terkaa Jam
For sometime now, I have heard people discuss Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga and his uncomplimentary stature in the Buhari Presidency. They attribute every negative ommision or commission to Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga, my mentor, boss, friend, author, policy analyst, party chieftain, conflict management consultant and peace development enthusiast.
I moved close to them and tried to explain to them about who is Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga, what he truly stands for, and his modest efforts to alleviate poverty in Nigeria even though he has never held any elective position. I have known Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga since childhood, but something significant happened in early 2011 that further shaped my idea of his humane qualities.
We traveled together from Abuja to Makurdi which was the Venue for my Book Launch. We had been together keeping in touch with invited guest and making final arrangements for about a month. He was the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Book Launch an occasion which was to take place a few days after the campaign rally of General Muhammadu Buhari then of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Makurdi.
After the rally at IBB Square where he presented the Governorship candidate Engr. Bisibi Ati of blessed memory, we accompanied General Buhari to the Government House to pay a courtesy call on the Governor as part of the activities for the day. While at the Governor’s Lodge, General Buhari affirmed he has known Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga since 1996, and said he was grateful for his zeal especially his role in the pro-democracy group that fought military rule in Nigeria. He concluded that Comrade Richard’s hope for a better Nigeria will be realize one day. Those who went with us amongst others include: Mr. Charles Ayede of blessed memory, Mr. Adaa Maagbe and Kpamor J.T. Orkar.
In 2011, Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga was the first National Organising Secretary of the then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) of the Buhari/Bakare campaign organisation. In 2015, Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga served in the media and communication Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation.
Also, during the Yuletide season of 2016, I was with Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga at Adikpo when he got a call from Abdullahi Baffa Bichi intimating him of the desire of the Hon. Minister of Education to include party loyalist in Benue as Members of University Governing Council’s. In a swift manner Comrade Richard got four names ready with a brief of their Curriculum Vitae. A few weeks later, they were appointed into the Governing Council’s of various Nigerian Universities. It is worthy of note that at this point, Comrade Richard himself had only been a Member of the Governing Council of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga as a policy analyst has featured at various times on TV programs enlightening the public on various issues. Amongst them include: (i) Okolugbo, Mnenga Debate Press Freedom, Human Rights. (ii) PDP accuses APC of unleashing election war. (iii) Analyst dissect Nat’l Livestock Transformation Plan. (iv) It’s too early to say Buhari has failed, APC chieftain disagrees with Northern elders. (v) Reviewing the leaked memo from ONSA. (vi) APC chieftains argue over plot to remove Oshiomhole. (vii) Presidency, PDP differ on FG’s handling of Covid 19.
The Benue born political scientist, is currently a board member, representing North Central in the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). Comrade Richard has a very close and cordial relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari long before he was elected president in 2015, it was not just political but like father and son, he always listened and advised him like any good father would do to a son. It was with his encouragement and support that Comrade Richard obtained his second Degree at the University of Basel, Switzerland. He played an active role and was one of the major financiers while he was schooling there. He has confessed to me at different times that he enjoyed a lot of privileges from President Buhari and he has learnt a lot from him.
One of the striking things Comrade Richard always remember is President Buhari’s constant advice to him all the time that a good name is more than riches. Comrade Richard told me that President Buhari always laid emphasis on the fact that we all have to account for all our deeds one day and hereafter. Such advises greatly influenced Comrade Richard’s philosophy of life which is honesty, simplicity and humility.This is the Comrade Richard Tersoo Mnenga that I know. I believe he is still the same today and will be the same tomorrow.
Jam writes from Ajio, Shagev-ya, Kwande LGC, Benue State.
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