Mark Harps on Unity at Independence
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| SENATOR DAVID MARK |
Mark, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, gave the advice at a church service in commemoration of Nigeria's 54th independence anniversary at St. Mulumba's Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja.
The Senate President’s advise came as Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has said that Nigeria at 54 years has come of age in spite of the difficult challenges it faces as a nation since its independence from the British Colonial Authority in 1960.
He expressed confidence that in spite of these inhibitive challenges confronting the country, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, will emerge triumphant as one of the greatest nations of the world.
According to the statement, Mark reminded politicians that national interest was superior to their personal ambitions, adding: "Nigeria must exist as a nation first before we could pursue our individual ambitions."
He pleaded with those fanning the embers of war and disunity to have a rethink, arguing that, "we have more to gain by staying united."
Mark also reiterated that politics is a call to service and not a forum for disaffection or disharmony among citizens, saying "election is not a do or die affair. We should know that only one seat exist at a time."
The statement warned mischief makers not to test the will of government because "government has all it takes to deal with trouble makers; let's give peace a chance."
Mark reminded Nigerians that governance was a collective responsibility between the governed and the government, therefore, "it is not government versus the people, but both exist in a symbiotic and reciprocative relationship."
He added: "We are in a complex society there are bound to be disagreements or complaints. There are also channels to address these complaints or imbalances. Taking up arms against your neighbours or government is certainly not a solution. We must see ourselves as brothers and sisters."
In a press statement on the country's Independent Day celebration, Suswam said that every nation’s journey from independence and self-determination to greatness had always been littered with litany of woes, trials and tribulations, adding that the story of Nigeria is not different.
He called on leadership of government at all levels to remain steadfast and purpose-driven in their collective will to make life meaningful to people of Nigeria.
He, however, said that the people as a matter of necessity should on their part support their leaders through prayers, hard work, commitment and perseverance, stating that it is this positive synergy between the leadership and the people that could see Nigeria through these very difficult times.
Suswam commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his record-breaking achievements through his Transformation Agenda programme.
He also said that the President’s current efforts and the recent successes of the military at tackling the Boko Haram menace in the country have been inspiring and reassuring.
The governor said at the present rate of successes against the deadly sect, he was confident that in no distant future Boko Haram and its inglorious activities would be a thing of the past.
Suswam thanked the people of Benue State for their untiring support and encouragement accorded him in the last seven years and called on the people to remain committed to the cause of building a better Benue.
…Imoke: We are Beacon of Democracy
In Cross River State, the Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, declared that the people of the state have demonstrated that they are the beacon of democracy in Nigeria.
Imoke, in a statewide broadcast said, “Since 1999, our state has experienced an evolution. Our people, supported by progressive governance, are more confident in their economic prospects and steadfast in the determination to achieve our collective goals.
“The economy of our state has been transformed from a dependency on the public sector to one which is forging ahead on a path to becoming the premier service-driven and investor-friendly economy in Nigeria. Our progress is palpable. Our achievements are tangible.
“Our dreams are attainable. All we need to do is maintain the momentum of our development and remain unremitting in our desire to reach our goals.
“Today we celebrate all that makes us great as a nation. We celebrate our culture, unity in diversity, resilience and optimism in reverence of the great sacrifice and unwavering determination of our founding fathers.
“To adhere to that essence of reverence, we must ensure that we all are equally determined to play our part towards the prosperous growth and development of our beloved country.
“Let us stand united and steadfast to confront the challenges that face us as a growing democracy and a developing economy so that the labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain. Let us look forward and march purposefully towards the bright future, which is ahead of us,
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