——renews call for peaceful coexistence
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and his wife, Helen were among worshippers at St. Augustine’s Catholic church, Otukpo, Benue State to mark this year’s Xmas celebration.
At the church service, Senator Mark reminded Nigerians of the need for peaceful coexistence saying that the society would be a better place if all imbibe the spirit of being our brother’s keeper.
Senator Mark was optimistic that if Nigerians imbibe the attribute of love, peace and truly appreciate one and others in the image and likeness of our Creator, political crisis or ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria would be a thing of the past.
He requested the citizens especially the clergy to always put leaders in prayer in order to get the right direction and needed wisdom in piloting the affairs of the nation for the good of all.
In his homily, the Parish Priest of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Rev. Captain Kenneth Odeh prayed for peace and unity of the nation, saying that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of rancour .
Rev. Odeh noted that Nigerian leaders are so distracted and unable to deliver the dividends of democracy on account of violence and crisis of large proportion in virtually all parts of the nation.
“For lack of peace in our land, from the south- south, South- East, South-West, North-Central, North- West, and North -East, our leaders are so distracted. The wealth of our nation is channeled towards fighting insurgency and terrorism. We cannot continue like this as a people”, the clergy man lamented.
He therefore implored leaders and the followers to make peace the cornerstone of our existence.
In a related development, the President of the Senate has renewed faith in the principle and wisdom behind the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) suggesting that the scheme should be strengthened for further integration and unity of our people.
Addressing Corps members currently serving in his Benue south senatorial zone, Senator Mark said the scheme is a necessary tool to unite every part of Nigeria irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
He admitted that insecurity in some parts of Nigeria was posing a challenge to NYSC but was quick to point out that all hands must be on deck to arrest the security situation in order not affect the scheme positively.
Responding on behalf of her colleagues, NYSC corps liaison officer for Benue South, Miss Mary ‘Nonye Gabriel expressed appreciation to the Senate President for the warm reception promising that the corp members will continue to discharge their duties creditably .
Signed:
Paul Mumeh, Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate