Tribunal Upholds David Mark’s Election

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Makurdi, yesterday dismissed the petition by the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Benue South senatorial election, Daniel Onjeh challenging the victory of Senator David Mark, on the grounds that it was filed out of time.

Onjeh had challenged the victory of Senator Mark in the February 20, 2016 rerun election citing electoral malpractices and irregularities in the conduct of the poll.

However, Senator Mark, through his counsel, Mr. Ken Ikonne had through a motion challenged the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to entertain the matter on the grounds that it was incompetent and statute barred.

Mark had contended that, having been declared winner of the election on February 21, 2016 the petitioner had 21 days from the day of the declaration of the result to file his petition which he failed to do.

He argued that the petition was filed on March 13,, 2016 outside the 21 days allowed by law for such matters to be generated before a tribunal and in total variance with the provisions of Section 285(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

On his part, Daniel Onjeh through his counsel, Adetunji Oso had asked the Tribunal to hear the suit on its merits insisting that the matter was properly brought before the Tribunal.

Credit: Vanguard

David Mark Returns To Senate (Photos)

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Former Senate President, Chief David Mark was on Wednesday sworn in by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, thereby making it the 6th time he would be inaugurated to represent the people of Benue South Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

In an uncommon show of respect and solidarity, the Senate gave Mark a standing ovation as he walked into the Senate chamber.

He was inaugurated at exactly 11:00am by Senate president, Bukola Saraki after taking the traditional oath of office and oath of allegiance.

PDP Congratulates David Mark As APC Disowns Congratulatory Message

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

PDP has congratulated its candidate, David Mark, for winning the Benue South Senatorial rerun election.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said Mr. Mark’s victory signalled the support it still enjoyed with Nigerians.

“It is instructive to note that the PDP had won 70 percent of all the polls conducted since May 29, 2015, a development that underlines the fact of its deep roots and popularity as a brand, irrespective of the transitory setback of the 2015 general elections,” the party said.

While the PDP congratulated Mr. Mark, the ruling All Progressives Congress has denied congratulating the former Senate President.

The APC said the twitter handle @APCNigeria, which congratulated Mr. Mark, was not an official one. The handle had been used to tweet APC messages in the past.

Mr. Mark, who has been in the Senate since democracy returned in 1999, was declared winner early Sunday morning amid protest by his main challenger, Daniel Onjeh of the APC, who demanded that the election be declared inconclusive.

The former senate president scored 84,192 votes, leaving a margin of 12,571 votes between him and Mr. Onjeh, who garnered 71,621 votes.

Credit: PremiumTimes

My Life Is Under Threat – David Mark

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A former Senate President, David Mark, on Monday petitioned the Inspector – General of Police, Solomon Arase, alleging that some gladiators in the forthcoming rerun election in the Benue South Senatorial District, were planning to assassinate him.

Mark, who is contesting the February 20 poll on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, told the IGP that he uncovered the plot through intelligence gathering.

He specifically alleged that three top members of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (names withheld to avoid litigation), hired the services of cultists to unleash terror in Benue South and in the process target him (Mark) for elimination.

The former senate president, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Paul Mumeh, explained that “credible sources listed the cultists hired for the assassination to include the notorious supreme Vikings Squad from Jos, Plateau State and the dreaded Black Axe in Makurdi Benue State.”

The statement noted that Mark’s petition to the IGP signed by his counsel Mr. Ken Ikonne, alleged that one (Okpokwu Ogenyi) is the arrow head of the plot.

In the petition, Ikonne told the IGP that “it is obvious that (Ogenyi) knows more about the assassination plot than he has revealed.”

The petition, according to the statement reads, “Our client has therefore instructed us to petition you (IGP) to as a matter of urgency apprehend and interrogate (Ogenyi) to throw more light on the details of this grave assassination plot before he and his associates carry out the dastardly plot.

“Only yesterday (Sunday), Police said to be attached to (the State Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu,) fired several gun shots into the family house of Senator Mark in Otukpo.

“No reason was given for the unprovoked attack and no arrest has been made. A couple of weeks ago, (Benue State chairman of the APC Mr. Abbah Yaro) was quoted as saying if Senator Mark wants, let him win the election in seven out of the nine local government areas but no returning officer born of a woman will dare declare him.”

The statement added that the PDP Chairman in the state, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, had petitioned the Benue command of the Nigeria Police over the unhealthy political activities of APC in the state ahead of the election and asked the authorities to prevail on members of the party to allow peace to reign.

Credit : Punch

I’ll Return To Senate – David Mark

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The immediate-past senate president, David Mark, has said he would triumph in the February 20 rerun for the Benue South Senatorial District on the strength of the support of his constituents and God.

Mr. Mark stated this when two groups – Idoma Dreams and Idoma Young Professionals – paid him a solidarity visit on Wednesday.

The Court of Appeal had last year sacked Mr. Mark from the Senate and ordered the Independent National Electoral Election to conduct a fresh election in the district.
His victory in the March 28 National Assembly election was challenged by the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Daniel Onjeh.

Mr. Mark told members of the groups that he was deeply touched by their visit and the uncommon show of brotherhood and solidarity, stressing that he would be victorious because of their support.

“I am deeply touched by this uncommon solidarity. Let me also remind you that in going about the campaign for me, please always be law-abiding. I need you to be peaceful during the pre-election, Election Day and post-election.

“Like I mentioned before, no election is worth injury or loss of life. I crave for a peaceful conduct of election at all times. The choice of representation resides with the people and ultimately God.

“I want to thank you for believing in my leadership and understanding that credible representation at the senate is of utmost importance.

“By the grace of God, we shall triumph at the rerun election. I will defend the interest of our people at all times,” he said.

Mr. Mark assured his visitors that he was irrevocably committed to the development of Benue South and beyond, and would do everything legitimate to improve their lots.
Earlier, the leader of the Idoma Dreams, Donald Ogah, said the campaign for the former senate president had been impressive “because our people have seen the need to uphold a credible and quality representation and the good works that he represents”.

Mr. Ogah noted that the battle to return Mr. Mark to the senate was not negotiable “because he represents Idoma Dreams. This battle is not for you (Mark) but for the survival of Idoma nation”.

“We would not sit and watch outsiders determine our future and destiny. We have a choice in Senator Mark,” he added.

Credit : Today.ng

Ex-Senate President David Mark Pledges Undying Love For Sports

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The former Senate President, Sen. David Mark, has said that his love for sports would outlive his presence in the Senate.

Mark told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Otukpo that his love for sports predated his foray into politics.

He said that his love for sports manifested in the establishment of a Golf Academy and sponsorship of the annual Mark d’ ball basketball competition, which had attracted local and international athletes to Otukpo.

According to Mark, the establishment of Mark Mentors, a DSTV Premier League Basketball team and APA United Football Club, a pro league team, speak volumes for his love and support for sports.

He said that these sports outfits would continue to exist through the Mark Scholarship and Sports Foundation whether he was dead or alive.

“Nigerians are always united in sports, so this is my own way of lifting sports in Nigeria; my promise to you is that, even the Mark d’ ball competition will outlive me.

We have sent five young boys to Scotland to represent Nigeria in golf competition and today, the golf academy is training over 300 boys.

Our team, Mark Mentors, won the 2015 DSTV Premier Basketball League; and now in Otukpo, we have been able to raise a national champion in basketball.

I assure you that in my lifetime, Otukpo people will play at the International level and at the National Basketball Association (NBA) league in the United States.

I will continue to support sports because it has kept us together and has provided opportunities for our young boys and girls to be useful to themselves and the nation,” Mark said.

The former Senate President dismissed doubts on the hosting of the 2015 Mark d’ ball competition, saying that the event had come to stay, whether he was in the Senate or not.

He said: “There were lot of doubts whether we will sponsor this year’s event or not.

Whether I am in the Senate or not, it makes no difference to me as far as encouraging young boys and girls are concerned.

More players will be sponsored abroad through the foundation; it is a foundation which after I have completely gone will still be there.

This is not a political arrangement because I was awarding scholarships to people before I joined politics and I am still doing it.’’

(NAN)

Ugbabe Adagboyi: Off Key Note From Benue South Senatorial District

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

I get the impression that the elite in Benue state and especially in zone C are more united for selfish purpose than for our general interest. I get the impression that the youth has major challenges in uniting for our general interest than for selfish purpose. In the end either way has a challenge. This has made a case for the infrastructural deficit in the zone.

These challenges, I wish it were not such a bother to complain but envy, low self esteem, pride, avarice, gluttony, lack of respect for institutions, and finally influence – for the manna that would fall from the elite’ tables on the one hand and for the relevance of the youths as thugs on the other hand have lead us thus far. Only a few had toiled in the manner that has moved everyone forward against all odds. Perhaps many others have not had the opportunity to contribute their quotas.

OFF KEY NOTE: At least no group of persons have claimed that they made the railway network to pass through Otukpo town yet. And no group of persons too have claimed the glory of Otukpo rice mill – the once upon a time acclaimed largest rice mill in West Africa. Yet these were the only infrastructures that employed the bulk of my people then and made Otukpo great. (I have not seen the history books yet, and my teacher didn’t mention it to me in school, at least I was a student of history in SS1). Do Idoma have history books that should be taught in Junior secondary schools? Obviously it is a question for another day.

However, if no one reminds us, we all know some persons were the reason we enjoy some of the major federal government infrastructures and even personal facilities (see for instance, the defunct NITEL, the two UNITY SCHOOLS, NOUN, OWETO BRIDGE – that may have taken too long to complete, the GOLF COURSE – that hosted the world renowned golf player, Tiger Woods, and a COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP Scheme – although many are yet to benefit from the scheme, it is adjudged higher in value than what the Benue state government was paying.

I made this deliberate effort to make this obvious for a simple reason. We must know that the expiration date on water bottles is for the bottle and not the water. The office may go but even the person should be commended no matter what.

In our quest to support our candidates, we must be appreciative, not be economical with the truth, avoid hate speeches and slanderous comments as this won’t make voters love our candidate more than the issues on ground. These people are politicians for Christ sake! (if you are in doubt ask the defunct Jonathan Campaign Organisation).

On another note, I woke up this morning with a wonderful proverb from Ethiopia, “if you break your cow’s horn others will poke it’s eyes.” The first thing that came to my mind was that infamous rhetoric: “the Tiv people don’t want me there…” Even as I am sceptical about the statement (not ignoring the obvious, that the official language in most public offices around the state capital has being Tiv) and if it the comment was actually made by whom it was ascribed to, I won’t find it difficult to believe it proves nothing. That the Tiv man hates us that we are privileged to be what we are/were shouldn’t make us believe that they are out to make things worse for us – only if they have a voting right in our zone and we must wait for the electoral act to be amended. We should be careful not to drag the name of the man in Wannune into our local politics as he is more focused on delivering more dividends to his constituents especially now that every one is demanding that performance should be key to election/re-election.

On this note, I urge the various campaign teams must showcase realistic achievements of their candidate to the electorates, they must shy away from the rhetoric of promises and sentiments (that has failed several times in recent time as people are better aware of developmental issues now than ever). There is, if not many achievements tagging these candidates in and outside Nigeria. Research them, tell the electorates about them, publish them, and finally tell them how your candidate intend to improve on them and let them decide with their PVC.

We must avoid politics of bigotry, sectionalism and hate at all cost. The growth and development of Idoma nation must come first as the various political parties campaign their way to victory.

Ugbabe Adagboyi Damian is a student of Atlas Leadership Academy. He is also an alumni of Imani Centre for Policy and Education, Ghana. You can connect with him via twitter @UgbabeD

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates

“We Are Solidly Behind David Mark” – PDP

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Peoples Democratic Part (PDP) has described the former senate president David Mark as an asset to the Nigerian nation.

former Senate President, David Mark
A statement by the party’s national publicity secretary, Oliseh Metu said the PDP and the entire people of Benue state are “solidly” behind Mark in an election re-run for Benue South senatorial zone.

Metu said the former Senate president is expected to repeat his victory in a re-run ordered by the court of appeal.

He said the Benue people and supporters of the PDP since 1999 would remain steadfast in giving Mark another resounding victory at the rerun election.

He said the party is confident the senatorial seat will be retained even stronger now.

He said this is possible now that ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) deceit has become obvious to Nigerians.

Metu said: “The inexplicable ruling of the Appeal Court, even when all evidence pointed to Mark’s victory as upheld by the lower tribunal, is yet another evidence of APC’s dangerous interference in the judiciary, which negative consequences the PDP has continued to alert the nation.”

He said contributions by the senator in the growth and stability of the nation’s democracy growing and stabilizing through his mature, responsible and patriotic leadership of the senate is still highly needed in the polity.

The party also urged its members in Benue South to resist any attempt of intimidation, especially in their determination to ensure effective and result-oriented representation in the senate as typified in senator Mark.

Mark’s elections as senator representing the Benue South zone was nullified by the Court of Appeal on Saturday.

The court also ordered a re-run of the election.

However, Mark has also said he is confident of winning the election many times.

‘I won the election clean and clear. If we go back to the polls 100 times , I will still win convincingly,” Mark said in a statement by his media assistant.

Chiechefulam Ikebuiro: Senator David Mark’s Un-Golden Silence?

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Reports have it that over half a million persons are living with the dreaded HIV/AIDS in Benue State. This figure keeps rising by the day and sees Benue sit right at the top with the most endemic states a la HIV in Nigeria. What this portends for the state is better imagined. A commissioner from the state once stated that the Virus was having a great effect on their state from farming to education et al, what with the impact on the human resources.

In March of this year, Nigerians decided that they were done with the ineptitude and insensitivity of the PDP since the inception of this Democracy in 1999 and collectively decided to show them the door. This led to massive changes at the helm, from the Presidency to the two legislative arms of Government which meant new faces/party at the helm of these hallowed chambers.

There is this sad thing about Nigerian Politicians which I do not understand till this day. I am talking about this selfish, out for the number one syndrome which keeps dragging this country in reverse.

Did anybody see Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark at the hallow chambers during the just concluded ministerial screening? Did you notice his body language? Did anybody even hear his voice? He was aloof. He had this I –could- care –less- since- I- am -not -number one kind of mien. The man seemed so uninterested that one is wont to think what his business is in that house and it worries me.

Senator Mark has been around for a very long time and has refused to leave the scene. The least he could do, having seen it all, is to jettison his self-worship and just begin to look at the greater good-that of his people.

What I am asking/saying is, what stops Senator Mark from engaging one or all the potential Ministers of health and taking them on on their plans to tackle the scourge of HIV/AIDS, not only in his State which has the highest(?) number of people living with AIDS in Nigeria, but the whole country.

Could the Senator have asked how they plan to provide services where needed to the infected as well as the affected states? He could have engaged further and found out what plans they have as regards creating more awareness, especially in rural areas, so as to prevent the further spread of AIDS as well as stigmatization of people living with the monster.

But No, Our Dear Senator Mark decided to keep mum when he had the opportunity to, for once, give his people the representation they deserve. He must be thinking since he’s no longer the honcho of the house, why belittle himself by saying anything. Silly mentality in my opinion This is really low because it behooves him to work for the greater good even if it is to at least prove his beneficence.

As is, one cannot guarantee that he would raise a single bill to be passed in the senate.

I just hope he gets over the loss and focus on the primary reason why he is there-to work for a better Nigeria.

Bigger picture please, Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark or take a walk.

The Ingenuity Of Nnamdi Kanu

Till this day, the Civil war which lasted a whole 3 years leaves a bitter taste. To think that was a war that would have been avoided one way or the other makes it even worse.

Some 3 million people lost their lives. Infrastructures and money were blotted out. That was a war that set this country back by some years.

From the tales of those who witnessed the war, it is something we would not want to ever witness again.

This is why I am astound and bewildered by one Nnamdi Kanu who is agitating for the State of Biafra, not through a referendum or any sane way but war. One cannot help but wonder what alien is controlling this being.

Or how else does one describe it when one starts to solicit for arms, making hateful and inciting statements that could egg on a war.

When one encourages donations to bomb makers who have volunteered through phone-ins to his radio station, to destroy the ‘zoo’ then you have to begin to question his sanity, having seen or heard what happened between 1967 and 70.

But then again I am beginning to think he is a genius-A prodigy ; to be able to twist some Igbo minds with ease in 2015. For Nnamdi Kanu, with the bile he spits, to have supposedly omniscient supporters is class. For him to call Nigeria a ‘zoo’, still carry her passport, land in the same zoo and lodge in a hotel at Ikeja despite the array of hotels in the east, and still have followers (albeit ignoramuses) is Einstein.

But never mind the few delusional ones, the Ibos are not fooled .Most have started to begin to agree that to make the East a force to reckon with once more ,the Ibos have to start to ask for accountability from those who govern us. The real agitation should be against the people who rode on our mandate to loot us to stupor, thereby abandoning us to our fate.

Till we start to demand accountability from those who govern us we are yet to be free.

For now, the fraud Nnamdi Kanu, who wants cheap popularity and a means to make it big should be ignored.

Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

@thalynxis on twitter

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates

David Mark’s Position Upheld By Tribunal

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, had his election upheld by the Benue State National and State Assemblies Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Makurdi, the state capital.

Mark was declared winner of the Benue South Senatorial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Justice Mosumola Dipeolu-led tribunal in a unanimous judgment that lasted for two and a half hours on Tuesday, dismissed the petition brought by the defeated All Progressives Congress candidate, Daniel Onjeh, challenging the election of Mark of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In the judgment, the tribunal held that the petitioner failed to establish any case of alleged irregularities against Mark’s election.

Justice Dipelou said Onjeh and the APC failed woefully to prove allegations of rigging, multiple thumb-printing, over stuffing of ballots, allocation of votes, intimidation, harassment and inducement of voters among others.

The tribunal also held that the petitioner failed to substantiate any of his claims which she said was fatal to Onjeh’s case.

Read More: dailytimes

David Mark Declines Testifying In Elections Petition

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

To avoid the fire of cross-examination, former Senate President David Mark on Tuesday declined giving evidence in the petition seeking the nullification of his election into the legislative chamber.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the election, Mr. Daniel Onjeh, is challenging the result of the election declared in favour of Senator Mark by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mark’s counsel, Mr. Kenneth Ikonne, had on August 13 told the elections petition tribunal that his client was ready to give evidence in the matter on Tuesday.

At the resumption of sitting, however, Ikonne told the tribunal that although present in court, his client would not enter the witness box to avoid harassment from petitioner’s counsel, Mr Tunji Oso during cross-examination.

During cross-examination, a lawyer is allowed to ask any question under the sun, even if it appears unrelated to the matter at hand.

Read More: dailytimes

David Mark To Testify At Election Tribunal

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Former Senate President David Mark is set to give evidence in a case challenging his declaration as winner of the Benue South Senatorial election, as an election tribunal sitting in Makurdi adjourns.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal on Thursday fixed the date of Senator Mark’s appearance as August 18, for his cross-examination in the case brought by Daniel Onjeh of the APC.

Mark’s only opponent in the election, Onjeh had alleged that the results were marred by electoral malpractices and significant breaches of the Electoral Act 2011 as amended. He further asserted that INEC officials were compromised in the process, and voters were subject to financial inducements by PDP agents at various polling units in the district.

Read More: dailytimes

Three of David Mark’s witnesses quit at tribunal

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Three of eight witnesses called by David Mark in defence of the petition against him by Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress at the National Assembly Elections Tribunal, did not testify as they were not seen when called.

The Counsel to David Mark, Kenneth Ikonne, on Monday told the tribunal that he had eight witnesses to call for the day to strengthen his defence against the petition.

The five witnesses that testified- all Ward Collation Agents for the Peoples Democratic Party, said the conduct of the Benue South Senatorial election was free and fair.

However, under cross-examination by petitioner’s counsel, Tunji Oso, one of the witnesses, who claimed that all accredited voters had their names ticked on the voters register, admitted that no name was ticked on the register.

Another witness also admitted under cross examination that there were mutilation and alteration of exhibits, especially form EC 8A which was the result sheet.

Following the disappearance of the remaining witnesses for the day, Mr. Ikonne, prayed the court to grant him more time to persuade the witnesses to appear.

He said one of the absentee witnesses actually told him that he had defected to the APC.

Daniel Onjeh of the APC had filed a petition seeking declaration that the former President of Senate was wrongly declared winner of the Benue South Senatorial election.

Mr. Onjeh alleged electoral malpractices and substantial infringement on the Electoral Act, praying the tribunal to nullify the election and order for fresh poll.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, adjourned the matter to August 13 for continuation of defence.

Source: (NAN)

No Secrecy In NASS Budgets, Salaries – David Mark

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Immediate past President of the Senate, David Mark, reiterated yesterday that the budgets and salaries of Senators and members of the House of Representatives were open, just as he stressed that there was no secrecy in the affairs of the National Assembly.

He said that the Senate was the first to cut its 2015 budget and asked Nigerians to appreciate what the lawmakers have been doing.

He said: “I can put my hand on my chest without fear of contradiction to say we make a lot of sacrifices in our budgetary systems.”

According to Senator Mark, parliamentary practices and procedures dictate that all issues are carried out in the open, even as he described as sad and ridiculous, impression by people that the National Assembly budget had continued to increase annually, adding “this is not correct. It is unwarranted and needless accusation.”

Senator Mark boasted that in 2008, the National Assembly, under his leadership, returned N7 billion unspent funds to the national treasury during late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, which would have been stolen by some.

Senator Mark maintained that such allegation was borne out of deliberate mischief, blackmail or outright ignorance.

According to him, “How can anyone claim that the National Assembly budget is secret. Or that our earnings are secret. The National Assembly’s budget is part and parcel of the Federal budget. It is not a separate document. If anybody is in doubt, he or she should get a copy of the National budget and clarify. It is a public document.

“Every time you hear people talk about National Assembly budget as if it is independent of the Federal budget. For heaven’s sake, the National Assembly budget is an open document. It is a public document. Unless you are saying you have never seen the National Budget.

“The National Assembly budget is in the open. Anybody can access it . We don’t fix our salaries. Appropriate federal government agency does. What we earn is open. I think we should put an end to this cheap blackmail.

“I make bold to say that the National Assembly under my leadership was bold, courageous, steadfast and truly patriotic. We stood on the side of the people, the truth, transparency and above all in the interest of the nation.

“We were the first to cut our budget in 2015. People should appreciate what we are doing. We tightened our belts more than any other ministry or parastatal today. I can put my hand on my chest without fear of contradiction to say we make a lot of sacrifices in our budgetary systems.

Senator Ali Ndume Emerges Senate Leader

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Senate on Thursday elected Senator Ali Ndume as Senate Leader, Ibn Na’Allah as deputy with Senator Olusola Adeyeye as Chief Whip and Francis Makhana as deputy.

David Mark Sacks Son, Younger Brother, 120 Personal Assistants

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Following the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last general elections, former Senate President, David Mark has off-loaded no fewer than 120 of his personal assistants and domestic workers, including his son and younger brother.

Reports gathered that Mark decided to dispose them after his ruling party was ousted from the presidency on March 28. It was indeed a double tragedy for Mark as his party also failed to return to power in his own Benue State.

Mark led the Senate for eight years, a feat no legislator has achieved in the history of Nigeria. Reports gathered that he hitherto had over 300 personal assistants and domestic workers. Among his workers were his son, Babatunde Mark and his brother, Igoche Mark.

Read More: dailypost

Fmr PDP Spokesman Cautions Party’s Lawmakers Against Voting Saraki As Senate President

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A former acting National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode Ojomu, has warned the party against supporting any of its defectors for either positions of Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He said those who defected from PDP to All Progressives Congress could not turn back to the party they decimated for succour.

Ahead of the highly anticipated election of principal officers for the National Assembly today, the PDP has reportedly directed its members to vote Yakubu Dogara and Bukola Saraki as Speaker and President of the Senate respectively in defiance of APC, whose official candidates for the respective positions are Femi Gbajabiamila and Ahmed Lawan.

Mr. Saraki is a former member of the PDP and he would be remembered for playing a major role in the decimation of the party’s ranks when he directed his loyalists including Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, to defect along with him to APC in 2013.

But Ojomu, in a statement Monday night, warned the PDP against playing politics of “pay-back time” against the APC.

The statement said: “It is worrisome to observe that many of those who walked out were former PDP members who joined the APC and are acting out exactly the same script of ‘give a dog a bad name to hang it’ adopted as strategy to exit from the PDP for their safe landing in the APC.

“Today, by their actions and inactions alongside, other several factors left PDP comatose and one wonders if everybody acted like them who will be PDP senators and House of Representatives members to be now courted to defend their interest for victory at all cost against their ruling party’s official position.

“They decimated the PDP and now want to rely on it as strength to climb to number three and four in our nation. That’s crass opportunism and the PDP leaders in the Red and Green Chambers should not provide themselves as ready tools for self-serving pursuits.

“Strengthening party supremacy, party discipline, national stability and cohesion in government are the gains of PDP in National Assembly, standing firm that any political party official position or policy shall stand.

“Nigeria needs men of stable character. After all, those who stand for nothing fall for anything. The men and women that constitute the Nigeria’s Legislature must stand for something and in these circumstances it is principled position on party supremacy, notwithstanding that the former A.C.N botched that principle in the choice of speakership in 2011”.

Ojomu said the APC had the right to put forward those who should be on its platform in the National Assembly leadership.

The statement said: “Let it be noted that if the party was ever right to sponsor senatorial/House of Representatives candidate for election, it must also be right to determine who to put forward on its platform.

“No responsible political party in a democratic process that outlaws individual, independent candidate for elective offices will abdicate its historical and natural responsibility to present a sole candidate for each of the NASS Principal Offices.

“It will be unconventional for APC to watch helplessly for its members to contest in a free for all manner in the Red and Green Chambers.

“The gladiators need to drop sophistry in their argument and be educated that there is nothing undemocratic in the ruling party adopted open balloting process as opposed to secret balloting that was preferred by contending parties. Option A4 adopted in the Third Republic with SDP and NRC was adjudged one of the best democratic processes this country has ever witnessed. You queue behind your preferred candidate or party”

Why I Am The Most Qualified For Senate Presidency – Sen. Akume

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Senate Minority Leader, Sen. George Akume, on Friday said that he was the most qualified candidate for the position of the Senate presidency.

Akume, who represents the people of Benue North-West under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Akume said that going by the presidential system of government which Nigeria practices, the minority leader should automatically takeover the leadership if his party man emerges as president.

“We are practicing the presidential system of government and in that system, the path of succession to leadership in the legislature is clearly established; as minority leader, automatically I should have become the president.

“I got into the senate after eight years as the governor of Benue state.

“During my stay here, I moved from the PDP which I co-formed to the ACN and eventually I became the minority leader of APC after the merger and from that vantage position I became the chairman of the minority caucus.

“I believe that given my track records and the fact that I have been leading the caucus in the senate, I should be considered the most worthy man to preside over the affairs of the 8th Senate.

“For anybody to say that I should withdrew is purely in the imagination of a few, I do not have any skeletons in my cupboard,” he said.

This is exemplified recently, in the U.S. whose democracy we copied, where the minority leader automatically rose to become speaker. That is the way things are done.

On the lingering issue of zoning, Akume said that zoning was a deliberate attempt to ensure inclusion in the politics of Nigeria.

He said that Nigeria was very complex in its structures and diversity and such complexities must be appropriately handled for unity.

“Today, people may want to overlook and override the importance of zoning but strategic positions should be zoned and rotated.

“Zoning is part and parcel of the politics of Nigeria, even if zoning is not expressly stated in our constitution, there must be fairness and balance in the occupation of strategic position.

“This has also given us stability in the last 16 years; we should not throw away zoning, it is acceptable to me.

“I have not heard from the party that they have jettisoned zoning, I am a faithful party man,” he said.

He dismissed the reservation in some quarters about him emerging since his would-be predecessor, Sen. David Mark, was from the same region and state, adding it would not be new to the nation’s legislature.

He cited that the North has produced three presidents so far in the persons of Shehu Shagari, Shehu Musa Ya’Adua and now President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.

“You will want to find out why Hon. Salisu Buhari was speaker from Kano (North-West), after him Ghali Na’abba from Kano (North-West) then Aminu Masari from Katsina (North-West).

“So, you can see that precedence has already been established, Benue (North Central) will not be breaking new grounds.

“The North is not complaining, if you look at the leadership of the north they are not complaining, all they are saying is that it is wonderful for the unity of the North.

“They are saying that we should look beyond 2015 to 2019, they are not opposed to the issue of the Senate Presidency coming to the North-Central,” he said.

Akume clarified that contrary to purported rumours, he does not have any disagreements with Bola Tinubu or any other leader of the APC as being rumoured in the social media. (NAN)

Senate Presidency: Group Wants North-Central’s Candidate

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A youth group, Northern Nigerian Youth Council (NNYC) has appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senators to allow the North Central zone to produce the president of the 8th Senate.

In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, president of the group, Comrade Murtala Garba, said the contributions of the North Central zone to the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general election should be rewarded with the position.

It also noted that more than any region, APC leaders in the zone have gone extra miles to deliver a very strong Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) region to the APC.

Saying that the North Central is more deserving of the Senate top job, Garba explained that there are enough senators from the zone with the capacity to do the job.

“North Central is also blessed with senators that have the ability to control the massive personalities of 109 senators that have, without doubt, reached the zenith in their respective fields and callings,” he stated.

“Zoning political positions has become a necessary fact of life in Nigeria, so we, the Northern Nigeria Youth Council believe, the APC should first concentrate on that before individual qualifications are advanced,” he added.

“Accordingly, from the two main contending zones of North East and North Central, we are convinced that the position should go to North Central because it’s the right thing to do.

Senate Presidency: South West APC Senators-Elect Queue Behind Lawan

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The South West caucus of the All Progressives Congress in the Senate and the newly-elected senators from the geo-political zone, on Friday emerged from a marathon meeting with the agreement to adopt Senator Ahmad Lawan representing Yobe North, as their candidate for the Senate President position in the 8th National Assembly.

According to PUNCH, 12 out of the 13 newly elected senators met at a private residence in the Asokoro area of Abuja and adopted the Lawan, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, as their preferred person for the job.

One of the senators, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the issue, said they argued before finally arriving at the conclusion to queue behind the Yobe senator.

He said, “The 12 senators-elect with the exemption of Mr. Tayo Alasoadura, who was unavoidably absent at the meeting, argued for hours but at the end of the day, we came up with the choice of Lawan.

“It was generally agreed that we will formally communicate our position to the leadership of the APC just as our colleagues in the North-West had already done”.

He said the only issue that the South-West senators-elect had against Lawan was his alleged closeness to the Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the Senate especially, the outgoing Senate President, David Mark, who they believe would have overwhelming influence on him if elected.

“Apart from being friendly with Mark, it was generally agreed that Lawan remained the best person for the job being a highly principled person”.

It was further learnt that the senators-elect pledged to seek the support of their PDP counterparts from the zone, to also vote for Lawan.

When contacted to confirm the development, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Ajayi Boroffice (Ondo North), said that the meeting actually held but denied the elected senators endorsed a particular candidate.

He said, “We agreed at the end of the meeting to support the decision of our party on the issue of zoning. Why should we adopt a contestant? What if the party leadership refused to zone senate presidency to his region?”

Mark Tasks Buhari On Genuine Reconciliation

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Senate President, David Mark, on Friday advised the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to make the genuine reconciliation of all Nigerians his top priority.

Mark spoke at a thanksgiving Mass ahead of the end of the 7th Senate at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh.

He said the action has become imperative in order to assuage the feelings of some aggrieved persons.

The Senate President said, “What the nation need now is genuine reconciliation of all sections of the country and not otherwise.”

He said despite different political affiliations on which public officers were elected, “what must be paramount are service, welfare and security of Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.”

He further stressed the need to address the insecurity situation especially in the Northeast geopolitical zone.

He counseled public office seekers against desperation for power saying, “there is no need to be desperate for power, since power comes from God. Once we acknowledge this, we will not be at each other’s throat.”

Mark gave credit to Almighty God for sustaining him throughout the eight years as President of the Senate.

He said: “My 16 years in the Senate and eight years as the President of the Senate is the Lord’s doing, not by my own wisdom, power, intelligence or fame and influence.”

PDP Heading For Self-Destruction – Mark

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Staff Reporter

AS the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, continues its blame game over its woeful performance at the April general elections, the Senate President, David Mark has advised the gladiators in the fight to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

The Senate President said presently the party is already in comatose and haemorrhaging as further squabble by its leaders would lead to its final destruction.

Senator David Mark painted the sad picture of the party in Abuja Wednesday when the Chairman of the PDP post election assessment committee led by its Chairman and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu visited him.

He expressed worry over the continued acrimony between factions in the party, and warned that, “unless we halt the bleeding and find the necessary therapy, we may be heading for the final burial of the party”.

According to him, “the party is already in a comatose status and we should do all we can to resuscitate the party rather than this unnecessary rancor and bulk passing.

“The emerging factions are absolutely unnecessary. The combatants must sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue. My appeal is that we should not do anything further that would damage the already fragmented house.

“Everybody should come together and rebuild the party. We have gotten enough bruises. We need not inflict further pains on ourselves, with continuous bickering.

“Enough of this blame-game. We should return to the drawing board and need not wash our dirty linen in the public, anymore.

“I believe a useful lesson has been learnt from the PDP electoral misfortune. As for me, it is time to put on our thinking caps and chart a new course”.

“I trust Senator Ekweremadu that he and his team will do a good job and unearth the remote and immediate causes of our misfortune and make recommendations that will enhance the future of the party”.

On the capacity of the Deputy Senate President to deliver in the his assignment, Senator Mark said, “I have worked closely with the Deputy President of the Senate over the years and I know his capability and capacity to handle issues.”

Internal Wrangling Caused By Post Election Trauma – PDP

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that post election trauma arising from defeat in the last general election was responsible for the ongoing internal bickering among leaders and key stakeholders in the party.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, however said the party has overcome the trauma, with the mature and timely intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Jonathan had, on Tuesday, handed down a directive, ordering all combative parties to sheathe their swords to save the future of the party.

Metuh said: “The National Working Committee will absolutely abide by the counsel and has instructed all the executives of the party at all levels to comply accordingly.

“The leadership of the PDP regrets any embarrassment the avoidable skirmishes may have caused the members of our great party, especially our founding fathers and teeming supporters across the country.

“We are aware that this unfortunate development is a consequence of post election trauma arising from our first ever defeat. We however note with relief that we have now overcome this challenge.

“The National Working Committee assures that in the new spirit of harmony in the PDP family, the reengineering process which began on Tuesday with the inauguration of the Post Election Review Committee will be vigorously sustained to restore the lost glory of our great party.

“We therefore urge all our members to ensure that they henceforth guard their utterances and actions no matter the provocation and distortions in some section of the media while channeling their energies and ideas towards the rebuilding process.

“In this regard, all members who have reports, grievances and suggestions on the way forward should transmit same to the Post-Election Review Committee for an all inclusive roadmap in the overall effort to regain power in 2019.”

Metuh urged members to be wary of the activities of some “mischievous persons” within and outside the PDP family who are bent on frustrating the party’s peace efforts.

Senate Presidency Must Remain In North Central – Kwara APC

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Kwara State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, on Tuesday pleaded with the national leadership of the party to keep faith with the zoning arrangement, which ceded the position of the Senate President to the North-Central geo-political zone.

This formed part of the resolutions of the state working committee of the party at the end of its meeting in Ilorin, the capital.

The party also organized a special prayer session to seek divine intervention for the aspiration of its leader, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to become the Senate President in the 8th Senate.

The Kwara APC insisted that the number three position in the country should remain in the North-Central in the interest of fairness, justice and equity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of its central working committee, the APC noted that the zone deserved to produce the next Senate President having voted 100 per cent for the party in the just concluded general elections.

The CWC expressed its gratitude to members of the National Working Committee of the party (NWC) for deeming it fit to zone the exalted position to the North-Central zone

Prepare For Opposition Role, David Mark Tells PDP Incoming Lawmakers

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Senate President, David Mark, has asked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members to put the failures of the last elections behind them and be prepared to build a strong and united party ready to play a credible opposition.

The party lost the March 28 presidential election to the opposition All Progressives Congress. It also lost control of the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Mr. Mark, who would become an ordinary member of the Senate from June, told senators and House of Representatives-elect at a parley in Abuja at the weekend to accept their status as opposition.

“We must accept the ups and downs as an opposition party. That is what the PDP is now. We must remain a united family and face the reality,” he said.

The Senate President stressed that the not-too impressive showing of the PDP in the last elections may in the long term be a blessing to the party and the nation, “because we are going back to the drawing board to do a critical review and fashion out a blue print that would get us out of the woods for good.”

He added, “The role of Opposition is strange to us but it is not a death sentence. We should be ready for the challenges.

“We are prepared to play a credible opposition. I believe the nation and indeed Nigerians would be the best for it.”

Read More: premiumtimesng

Ndume Wants APC To Zone Senate Presidency To Borno

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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Mohammed Ndume, a Borno State senator who won re-election March 28, has appealed to the All Progressives Congress to zone the Senate Presidency to his state.

Mr. Ndume, who made the call in Maiduguri on Tuesday, said this would ensure justice and fairness.
He said the gesture would help in drawing the needed world attention towards rebuilding the state which had suffered years of Boko Haram insurgency.

“I think that the North East deserves to get the Senate President slot because the region has suffered years of neglect from previous administrations in the country.

“Borno in particular is most suited because it has suffered years of marginalization,” Mr. Ndume said.
He said representatives from the state had not been considered for positions in the National Assembly since 1999.

“We have not been fortunate to preside over any office at the National Assembly since the return of democracy in 1999.

“Although Gombe got the slot of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives some time, Borno and Yobe had never been considered,” Mr. Ndume said.

He said it was unfair for some senators in the North Central zone to aspire to the office of senate president.
“The North Central zone had had its share as the current senate president is from the zone. I think the North East deserves the seat this time around,” Mr. Ndume said.

He appealed to the military to double its efforts in searching for the 219 female students abducted by Boko Haram from Government Secondary School, Chibok, in 2014.

“We believe that the girls are kept somewhere alive by their abductors. The military must strive hard to rescue them to end the agony of their parents and the abductees,” the senator said

Source – Premium timesng

Prophets Of Doom Should Apologize To Nigerians- Mark

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Senate President David Mark on Wednesday called on all those who prophesied that the outcome of the Presidential election would be disastrous to apologise to Nigerians. Mark made this call at a Special Mass at the Chapel of Testimony, Apo, Abuja, to mark his 67th birthday.

He said this prophesy led to exodus of Nigerians to their states of origin in fear of the violence predicted. “On Election Day, people thought that the fight was going to be one that had never been seen in this country before, but God heard our prayers, the election came and went, no major incidents. “Results were announced and President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat even before the final result and congratulated General Buhari.

“I think this is God’s way of telling Nigerians that he has put us together and we must remain one united country.

“Those who were predicting that this country will be gone should apologise to Nigerians; there were so many prophesy.

“The problem with all these prophets is that when things do not go their own way, they find another way of coming back and telling us that what they meant was this, they spoke in tongues and we did not understand.

“As a nation, we have risen beyond the wishes of all these prophets of doom, but what is more important is that we have established a firm root of democracy in this country’’, he said.

Read More: vanguardngr

David Mark Vows To Remain In PDP Even As Last Man Standing

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Senate President, David Mark, on Wednesday said he would not defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in order to return as Senate President.

He said he would rather remain a member of the Peoples Democratic Party to restructure the party in readiness for the 2019 general elections. Mr. Mark spoke during a mass held at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, to mark his 67th birthday anniversary.

There were speculations that ahead of the June 6 inauguration of the 8th session of the National Assembly, the Senate President, who has occupied the position on PDP ticket since 2007, would dump the party for the APC to enable him continue in office.

But the Senate President said no member of the APC had spoken to him about decamping, vowing that he would remain in PDP to restructure the party because it made him what he is today.

He said, “Before I go and sit down I have heard by way of rumour to start with in social media that I am decamping to APC. Social media is awash with that. If I will be the last man standing I will remain in PDP.

“The rumour is just an unnecessary fabrication and I even heard that one of the papers yesterday had it as headline. The media men must please make sure they investigate cases before they begin to publish it…”

Read More: premiumtimesng

Senate President David Mark Begs APC, Saraki May Emerge

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

With the release of the results of National Assembly elections held last Saturday by the INEC, indications have emerged that the South East Geo-Political Zone may have lost the opportunity to produce the next Senate President of Nigeria.

The Zone did not vote for any candidate of the APC in the last election, thereby shutting out itself in the reckoning for such a post.

From the results posted by the INEC, the South East neither returned any of its APC senators nor voted for any new candidate to emerge on the platform of the APC.

Consequently, Senate President David Mark is said to be begging APC to give him the position.

It was learnt that the non-availability of any ranking APC Senator from the region to take the slot of Senate President might compel APC to zone the slot to the North Central, where David Mark hails from.

Mark would have emerged the best choice given his rich background and experience, his membership of the PDP, which will now be in the minority in the next Senate, knocks him out of the reckoning for the post.

APC has won no fewer than 65 seats in the last NASS election pushing PDP with 44 Senators to the second position in the upper legislative chambers.

But there was unconfirmed report on Wednesday that Mark was being pressured by political interests to defect to the APC after the inauguration of the National Assembly in order to retain his post.

But it is not possible for any Senator to decamp to any other party until after being sworn in.

A source told Vanguard: “The truth of the matter is that you cannot decamp to any party after election until you are sworn in. It is not an issue now and I don’t think that anybody should contemplate that at all and even the opposition party will not even welcome you.

No way for Mark — APC chieftain
But an APC chieftain has said that it was not possible to concede the Senate Presidency to Benue State after it had occupied the post for eight years through David Mark.

The official said that there was no way APC would accept Mark as its Senate President since there were many qualified Senators from other states in the North Central to occupy the post.

It was learnt that given the absence of any ranking APC Senator from the South East or South South, the APC would still retain the Senate Presidency in the North Central but pick from another state.

Kwara State Senator, Dr. Bukola Saraki, is being considered for the top post. But if APC keeps the post in Benue, the Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, is likely to emerge as the Senate President.

Disquiet In Otukpo, David Mark’s Hometown Over Buhari’s Victory

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Staff Reporter

There’s currently anxiety in Otukpo, the ancestral headquarters of Idoma land following the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the APC in the just concluded presidential election.

Reporters observed that Buhari’s victory in Benue was courtesy of votes from the Tivs speaking parts of the state.

All the nine local government areas in the Benue south, famously known as Zone C voted overwhelmingly for the PDP candidate.

Their reason for backing Jonathan for second term might not be unconnected with the fact that their political leader and current Senate President, David Mark had urged them to vote for the incumbent so they could create the long awaited Apa State.

He had also informed them to vote for him so they could still remain number three citizen in the nation.

However, the Idoma people were shocked after results from other states put Buhari ahead of their preferred candidate.

Similarly, the national assembly election showed that the APC won more seats than the PDP.

With the emergence of Buhari as the president elect, the leadership stool will surely leave the zone and obviously Mark would step aside as senate president.

In fact, as at 8pm on Tuesday when it became obvious that Jonathan was going to lose, many Idoma natives began to express open regret on social media for falling into Mark’s trap.

Our reporter learnt that GRA Otukpo, where Mark’s residence is located was deserted when Jonathan put a call across to Buhari to concede defeat.

As at 10 pm on Tuesday, major hot spots in the place literarily became graveyards as only few people could be seen on the streets.

However, some ardent supporters of PDP who spoke with reporters said Mark remained their hero despite the outcome of the election.

We Complied With Our Legislative Procedures For Ministerial Screening – David Mark

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Senate president, David Mark, has stated in strong terms that the Upper House complied with all the legislative practices and procedures in the confirmation of all the ministerial nominees that appeared before the Senate.
This is coming on the heels of the screening of former minister of state for defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, last week in the Upper House which generated controversy.
The Senate president has come under knocks from some quarters as it was alleged that he put party interest over national interest.
A statement issued by his special adviser, Media, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “The attention of the office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to the needless controversies concerning the screening of ministerial nominees on the floor of the Senate with particular reference to the confirmation of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
“We will like to state without any form of ambiguity that the president of the Senate complied with all the legislative practices and procedures in the confirmation of all the ministerial nominees that appeared before the Senate.”
“It is strange that those who hold contrary views have laid claims to the tradition of the Senate that where three senators are opposed to a nominee, such a nominee is automatically disqualified and cannot be confirmed by the Senate. This is misplaced”.
He further explained that the Senate found itself in a situation where two of its traditions were in conflict, adding that the Senate president took the option available in such cases by putting the question through a voice vote.

Postponing February Elections Was A Blessing in Disguise – David Mark

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Senate President, David Mark, has stated that the postponement of the general election has provided millions of eligible voters an opportunity to collect their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs).

Mark, who made the remark at the opening of the plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, said the postponement had turned out to be “a blessing in disguise”.

According to him, if the elections had held on February14, many Nigerians would have been unable to vote.

“I want to be re-elected back but I do not want to go through the back door, I want to be re-elected with many Nigerians accepting that this is their choice.
“Whatever we can do to enable few more Nigerians to vote on their appointed days, I think it is proper that they do it,’’ he said.

Mark also restated that there was no place for an interim government in the Nigerian Constitution, saying that it was “absolutely alien to the current constitution’’.

“We will not allow that,’’ he said. In his remarks, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the President of the Christian Association (CAN), said that the theme of the conference challenged every Nigerian to nurture their family.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is titled: “ Good Families Make Good Nations.’’

Oritsejafor appealed to government to continue to work hard to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

He also appealed to church leaders to ensure that their followers imbibe sound moral values needed to raise responsible families.

“We must along with other stakeholders continue to assist in creating an enabling environment for families to grow and mature, respect constituted authority, be honest and love one another.

“I am pleading for cooperation, unity and brotherhood; efforts must be made to denounce worldliness, to build families that imbibe godly and enduring values,’’ he said.

Oristejafor advised that in spite of diverse doctrines and other means of expressing faith, Nigerians should remain united.

Also, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, appealed to the Anglican Roman Catholic Commission (ARCC), to give a definite agenda to the commission

PDP Is A Youth Oriented Party – Sen. David Mark

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, on Monday described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “dynamic and youth-oriented’’.

Mark, while addressing the PDP presidential rally in Jos, said that the party had encouraged youth leadership as exemplified in the nomination of young people as its candidates for the February polls.

The senate president particularly pointed at its governorship candidates in Plateau, Niger and Benue, and explained that new leaders were emerging in the middle belt.

According to him, the zone has always voted the PDP and would continue to do so.

He assured the president that the votes of the north-central shall supersede every geo-political zone in the country, and urged voters to ensure massive turn out on election days.

Minister of Water Resource Sarah Ochekpe, in her speech, promised that women shall deliver bloc votes.

`We are are moving from community to community, house to house, ward to ward, and preaching the message of transformation.

“We are also mobilisiing youths and all other groups to support Sen Gyang Pwajok, the Plateau governorship candidate, and Jonathan.

“ We shall not engage in violence because violence begets violence and he who sows violence shall reap violence,’’ she said.

2015: Nigeria Will not Disintegrate- Mark

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Senate President, David Mark has asked Nigerians to stop the blame game and support the Armed Forces to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, and rescue the Chibok girls, saying that “blasts are non-partisan in their destructive nature.’’

Mark, who spoke while welcoming his colleagues back from the Yuletide break as the Senate resumed yesterday, said every Nigerian irrespective of tribe, religion or political divide must support security agencies in their task of defeating Boko Haram for the nation to progress.

Mark specifically asked both the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to rescue the Chibok girls abducted from their school in Borno State, months ago. “Government must do all it can to end this insurgency. This is a war that we must win and we will win. The tendency is to blame government for this sore state of affairs. Every Nigerian, irrespective of partisanship, must demonstrate patriotism to our country. We must support our Armed Forces and other security operatives to stop this evil. Insecurity plagues all of us and must be tackled holistically,’’ he said.

Credit: vanguardngr.com

David Mark’s Security Detail Tear-Gassed Tambuwal And Others – DPO

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Staff Reporter

There was a mild drama at the Senate probe of the November 20 National Assembly invasion by the police when the Divisional Police Officer attached to the federal parliament, Mr. James Ndachaba, said the police officers from the FCT command, were not responsible for the tear gas canister thrown at the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal.

Ndachaba, who stated this while testifying before the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s ad-hoc committee of the Senate probing the unfortunate development, however, indicted security details attached to Senate President, David Mark, for being responsible for the tear gas canister thrown at the Speaker and his colleagues on November 20.

Curiously, heads of other security and paramilitary agencies attached to the National Assembly, however, disagreed with the position of Ndachaba as they stated that they were not aware of any Mark’s security detail throwing tear gas at Tambuwal.

Opposition Parties Lack Ability To Defeat PDP In Elections – David Mark

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Staff Reporter

Senate President, David Mark, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not threatened by the gathering opposition parties ahead of the 2015 polls.

He congratulated the four House of Representatives members elected as flag bearers of the party in his Benue South Senatorial Zone.

Mark urged the electorates to renew faith in the PDP, as it “ remains the party for the people of Nigeria devoid of any religious or ethnic sentiments. It is a national party that accommodates all and promotes peace and unity”.

He maintained that the opposition parties in the country lack the capacity to defeat the PDP at the 2015 general elections.

The elected four PDP flag bearers for 2015 House of Representatives in his constituency include Samson Okwu (Obi/Oju), Ezekiel Adaji (Otukpo /Ohimini), Adamu Entonu (Agatu/Apa) and Chris Aba (Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo).

Mark told the newly elected PDP flag bearers that their integrity, experience and track records of achievements earned them the mandate of the delegates.

He, however, enjoined them to extend the olive branch to those who lost in the elections so that every body would be on board on the PDP sailing ship to victory in 2015.

Mark implored his constituents to remain steadfast with the PDP as the ideal vehicle that is capable of delivering dividends of democracy to all Nigerians without segregation.

To all those who lost at the primaries, the Senate President advised them to rally round the winners to ensure victory at the general elections, saying: “the umbrella is large enough to accommodate every member of the party”.

He told his people to exhibit the same good behaviour in the remaining stages of the elections.

Compel Aminu Tambuwal To Vacate Seat PDP Tells Court

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Staff Reporter

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, asked the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to compel the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, to declare himself as unfit to represent Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency.

The party declared that the embattled Speaker is holding the entire nation to ransom by continuing to occupy the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives having defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Alternatively, PDP urged the court to compel the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, to declare Tambuwal’s seat vacant.

The Speaker, on his part, has sent a petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, pleading with him to re-assign a fresh case seeking to remove him from office to a neutral judge.

The party contended that in-line with the provision of Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Tambuwal, having defected from the party that sponsored his election into the House of Representatives, ought to vacate his seat.

– Source – www.vanguardngr.com

Senator Mark Tells Kwankwaso: I Cannot Support Your Presidential Ambition

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Staff Reporter

President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, yesterday told the Kano state governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwanso, that he (Mark) cannot support his presidential ambition on the platform of the APC.

Senator Mark, who made this disclosure when Kwankwanso paid him a courtesy call at the National Assembly Complex to solicit his support for his aspiration, said “it is completely impossible for me to support you. Good as your wishes may be, I can’t grant them.”

According to the President of the Senate, “the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the correct platform to contest election and I have always advised the Senators so. If you don’t make it in your new party, feel free to come back to us because you have always belonged on this side.”

Obama’s Goodwill Message to Nigeria on 54th Independence

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Staff Reporter

United States’ President Barack Obama has sent his greetings and that of the American people to Nigerians on the 54th independence anniversary of the country.

The letter made available by the US Embassy in Abuja read in part: “At the heart of our enduring friendship is our shared commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and economic development. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and working closely in the coming year, especially in promoting good governance and combating terrorism. As Nigerians observe this special day, we wish you a more peaceful and prosperous year.”

Obama added that the US was looking forward to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria in the coming year, especially on good governance.

On the other hand, President Goodluck Jonathan, in Abuja, on Tuesday, restated the commitment of his administration to doing what is right to improve the living standard of the people.

He stated that the desired transformation of the country could be realised within a short period of time, if government continued to take critical steps in the right direction. The president reiterated his position that the current challenges facing the country were temporary, adding that with the support and prayers of Nigerians, they would be over in no time.

These he revealed while receiving the Primatial Award of Excellence in Christian Stewardship from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), at the Presidential Villa.

Other goodwill messages came from Senate President, David Mark, Speakerof the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, Opposition leaders, State Governors, Stakeholders and business organisations as well.