David Mark @ 70: Renews  pact with God

-As Danjuma, Saraki, Tambuwal, others showers encomium

Immediate past president of the Senate, Senator David Mark at the weekend
took stock of his 70 years sojourn on earth and renewed his convenant with
God to serve him and humanity faithfully.
Senator Mark told  a crowded gathering in Abuja to commemorate  his
birthday that “I have resolved to serve God and humanity ceaselessly for
the rest of my life .

“I will intensify my prayers and do the work of mercy for peace and unity
of Nigeria where  genuine friendship and brotherhood, devoid of
parochialism reigns.

“When I was growing up, I made friends across board devoid of ethnicity,
tribe or religion.  And we saw ourselves as brothers and sisters with a
common destiny. But  what we see today is a celebration of ethnic or
religious champions  in our national life.

“This is not the Nigeria of our dream. “We must rise up to re-orientate
our people in order to reverse the trend for good. We must see ourselves
as one people with a common destiny and purpose.
He expressed optimism that a better Nigeria where every one is free to
live and pursue his or her legitimate ambition in any part of the country 
without fear of intimidation or molestation is  possible “if we see
ourselves as brothers and sisters “

President Muhammadu Buhari who spoke through his special Adviser on
Natonal Assembly matters, Senator Ita Enang described Mark as a brave
soldier and astute politician who has made positive impact in the
development of the nation.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki
showered encomiums on his predecessor for the foundation he laid in the
senate as well as his contributions to national development.
Saraki requested Mark to always make his knowledge and wealth of
experience available for upcoming leaders  to profit from, pointing out
that “Mark is a rare gift to Nigeria”.
Also speaking, the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
described Mark as a patriotic and relentless public servant who  over the
years demonstrated unquestionable loyalty to his fatherland.
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Uche Secondus
praised Senator Mark for his steadfastness, recalling that in the wake of
the gale of defection that hit the Party after its defeat in 2015, the
former Senate President stood firm, when he said he will remain in PDP no
matter the odds.
Senator Mark had insisted that he will not abandon the  PDP saying “I will
remain the last man standing, even if others decamps”.
Mark’s classmate, General Alwali Kazir who spoke on behalf of Nigerian
Defence Academy (NDA) Course 3 Alumni association  commended Mark for his 
relentless and unblemished  service to the nation.
Earlier, the chairmen of the occasion, General T. Y. Danjuma noted the
indomitable spirit of Mark which he said is needed to navigate through the
murky political water in Nigeria.
Eminent Nigerians including four  former Presidents of the Senate,
Iyorchia Ayu, Adolf Wabara ,  Anyim Pius Anyim ,  Ken Nnamani ,  the
incumbent Saraki, governors, past and present members of the National
Assembly ,  Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan , 
captains of industry among others attended the event.

  Signed:
Paul Mumeh
Media Assistant to Senator David Mark