The Nation Newspaper

Tag: David Mark

  • Mark shuts Assembly over police invasion

    Mark shuts Assembly over police invasion

    Senate President, David Mark on Thursday shut the National Assembly following the invasion of the complex by the police.

    Mark, who is also the Chairman of the National Assembly, said the Senate and House of Representatives will remain shut till next Tuesday.

    He described the invasion of the assembly as “very unfortunate.”

    The Senate President said the Inspector-General of Police, would be invited to the Senate next Tuesday.

    He added that the Service Chiefs who were earlier invited to the upper legislative chamber to deliberate on matters relating to the insurgency in the northeast would now appear before Senators on Tuesday.

     

     

  • Mark urges internet use for economic devt

    Mark urges internet use for economic devt

    Senate President, David Mark, has urged Nigerians to use the internet services available in the country to grow the country’s economy.

    Mark spoke at the inauguration of a new internet provider, Spectranet Limited at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Senator Anthony Manzo, he commended the new internet providers for bringing to the country internet services that could be comparable to the one provided anywhere in the world.

    Mark insisted that internet services should be used wisely especially for the development and growth of the country’s economy.

    He said: “Let us use the internet wisely. The internet can also be tools for destruction. So use we should use the internet for knowledge, education and growth of our country. Don’t use it to search for some equipment used in making bombs.”

    Mark who said that there is no doubt that the fasted way of moving data is through wireless added that the internet has made the world a small village and information available to the poor and rich.

    He said one of the successes of the country’s democratic experiment is liberalisation of the economy, especially internet connection, adding that one advantage the new provider has is that their services are not time bound.

    “It is a major plus and I hope they will reduce their price with time. In the West, internet is very cheap because their subscriber base is very cheap,” he said.

    Mark who said government alone cannot employ everybody noted that the country would reap from job creation from the new providers.

    He said: “The support government gives to companies like yours is what keeps the economy going because it creates jobs while the country benefits from the tax you pay. I am happy to associate with your company and I hope it will grow from strength to strength.”

    The Chief Operating Officer of Spectranet Mr. Atul Ojha said the technology of his company is equivalent to the best of the technology anywhere in the world.

  • Senate fails to okay emergency

    Senate fails to okay emergency

    •Reps to return

    Senators failed yesterday to approve President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for further extension of emergency rule in three states – Yobe, Adamawa and Borno.

    Senate President David Mark announced after over two hours closed door session that debate on Jonathan’s request would continue today.

    Mark said: “The Senate, in a closed session, discussed the letter by the President for the extension of state of emergency. We had a very extensive debate on it and we will continue with the debate tomorrow (today). Is this a true reflection of what happened?”

    The Senators chorused “yes”.

    Jonathan had in a letter entitled “Re: Extension of the period for the Proclamation of a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states”, dated 17th November, 2014, asked the Senate to endorse further extension of the period of emergency rule in the three states.

    The letter read: “May  I respectfully draw your attention to the State of Emergency Proclamation 2013, in respect of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, which was approved by the National Assembly and extended for a further period of six months by the National Assembly as conveyed by  the Clerk of the National Assembly’s letter dated 21st May 2014.

    “By virtue of the provisions of Section 305(6)© of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the Proclamation aforementioned will elapse after a period of six months from the date of approval of the National Assembly except the period is extended by the National Assembly.

    “It is important to state that despite concerted efforts by this Administration to stem the tide of terrorism and insurgency in the affected states, the security challenges that necessitated the Proclamation are yet to abate.

    “Consequently, it has become imperative to request the approval of the State for extension of the period for the State of Emergency for a further period of six months.

    “In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request Distinguished Senators to consider and approve by resolution the extension of the Proclamation of the State of Emergency by further period of six months from the date of expiration of the current period.”

    Before the Senate went into the closed session to consider the letter, some Senators attempted to block even the consideration of the letter.

    The Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, had moved that the Senate should resolve into Executive Session to consider the presidential request.

    What followed was a deafening “nay” when Mark put the question.

    Apparently taken aback, Mark explained that all he asked was the approval of the chamber to consider the presidential letter on extension of state of emergency.

    He noted that saying that the letter should not be discussed should be out of the way since the Senate was bound to debate the letter to take a position whether to approve the request or not.

    Mark noted that it was only during the consideration of the letter that Senators could make their contributions whether to endorse the request or not.

    After his explanation, which seemed to have calmed frayed nerves, Mark again put the question for the Senate to consider the letter.

    The mood in the Senate changed slightly as the lawmakers gave their approval that the letter be considered.

    For about 20 minutes, senators were discussing in groups. The Chief Whip laboured to restore order.

    Insiders said that the debate in the closed session was “very heated” as some of the North’s lawmakers insisted that no extension of the state of emergency should be granted.

    After the session, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume Borno, South Senatorial District, told reporters that his people were against any form of extension of emergency rule.

    Ndume noted that emergency rule had not made any difference in the fight against insurgency.

    Besides, he said that nothing in the constitution forbids the president from deploying soldiers anywhere in the country even without emergency rule.

    Ndume stressed that he would always stand by his people.

    Senator Bello Tukur, who represents Adamawa Central, said the Senate discussed fruitfully on the state of emergency rule in the three affected states.

    Tukur said that he was sure that decisive position would be taken by the Senate today on the Presidential request to extend emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    If further extension is granted, that will be the third time the National Assembly will approve President Jonathan’s request to extend the period of State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met Senate President David Mark and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.,

    •None of them spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.,

    •No official statement was issued after the meeting.,

    •But the meeting is not unconnected with getting the National Assembly’s nod for the extension of the state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

  • Jonathan meets Mark, Ihedioha at Aso Rock

    Jonathan meets Mark, Ihedioha at Aso Rock

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday met the Senate President, David Mark and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    ‪None of them spoke with State House correspondents on discussions at the closed-door meeting.

    No official statement was issued after the meeting.

    But the meeting is not unconnected with the government’s desire to get the National Assembly nod for extension of emergency rule in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe and tackling matters generated by the recent defection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the rival All Progressives Congress.

     

  • Old Ondo PDP members to meet Mark

    Old Ondo PDP members to meet Mark

    Old Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Ondo State have set up a 12-man committee to meet with Senate President David Mark and PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman Tony Anenih.

    This followed the failure of the faction led by Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the old PDP to agree on a sharing formula of party structures at a meeting with the president, vice president and other party leaders.

    The committee members, drawn from the three senatorial districts, are expected to table their resolutions from a meeting held on Sunday at Jimoh Ibrahim’s house at Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area.

    The resolutions are nobody would tamper with the executive committee until March 2016 when its tenure will end and all aspirants who had been disqualified by the screening committee must be cleared.

    Some members of the committee include Femi Adekanmbi, Olu Agunloye, Benson Enikuomehin, Olusola Agbesua, Akin Akingbesote, and Femi Omosanya.

     

  • Mark seeks review of Dentistry practice in Nigeria

    Mark seeks review of Dentistry practice in Nigeria

    Senate President, David Mark, on Monday called for the review of dentistry practice in the country.

    Mark said the scope of the practice of dentistry should be broadened towards a paradigm shift from limiting it to only treatment of diseased teeth to the care of the mouth.

    This, he said, has become imperative in order to contain oral diseases now emerging as major public health problems in the country.

    A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, said that Mark explained that such a review would ensure reduction in the burden of oral diseases especially in poor and marginalized citizens.

    It said that Mark who addressed a cross session of Nigerians at the commemoration of  the 4th National Oral Health week in Abuja  Monday , stressed that the new scope would promote healthy life styles and reduce risk factors to oral health that arise from environmental, economic, social and behavioral causes.

    Mumeh noted that Mark who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Senator Anthony Manzo, listed other benefits of widening the scope of dentistry to include development of oral health systems that equitably improve oral health outcomes, respond to people’s legitimate demands and are financially fair.

  • Senator Mark to release food subsidy balance today

    Senator Mark to release food subsidy balance today

    Senate President, David Mark has  promised to make good his promise and release the balance of the N3m remaining as subsidy for food.

    His Special Assistant on Sports, Dr Deshi who revealed this while making sure all things go smoothly at the games, said the senate president was aware of the balance and promise made on behalf of him by his wife, Mrs Helen Mark while dropping the initial N3m last Saturday . “The senate president has not forgotten his promise on feeding of the children. He is aware of his promise and will redeem it. In fact it will be redeemed tomorrow (Thursday). I have gotten in touch with the wife of the senate president on the balance. Even the senate president will be on ground,” Deshi disclosed.

    It would be recalled that Senator Mark on Saturday intervened in the food crisis being faced at the festival by giving the NSSF N3million out of the N6million requested from the Benue State government.

    Mark said he was intervening because the state government had not shown any form of assistance towards the effective hosting of the festival themed “Mark of Excellence.”

  • Mark urges internet use for economic growth

    Mark urges internet use for economic growth

    senate President, David Mark, has urged Nigerians to use the internet services available in the country to grow the country’s economy.

    Mark spoke at the inauguration of a new internet provider, Spectranet Limited at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Senator Anthony Manzo, he praised the new internet providers for bringing to the country internet services that could be comparable to the one provided anywhere in the world.

    Mark insisted that internet services should be used wisely especially for the development and growth of the country’s economy.

    He said: “Let us use the internet wisely. The internet can also be tools for destruction. So we should use the internet for knowledge, education and growth of our country. Don’t use it to search for some equipment used in making bombs.”

    Mark, who said that there is no doubt that the fastest way of moving data is through wireless, added that the internet has made the world a small village and information available to the poor and rich.

    He said one of the successes of the country’s democratic experiment is liberalisation of the economy, especially internet connection, adding that one advantage the new provider has is that their services are not time bound.

    “It is a major plus and I hope they will reduce their price with time. In the West, internet is very cheap because their subscriber base is very cheap,” he said.

    Mark, who said government alone cannot employ everybody, noted that the country would reap from job creation from the new providers.

    He said: “The support government gives to companies like yours is what keeps the economy going because it creates jobs while the country benefits from the tax you pay. I am happy to associate with your company and I hope it will grow from strength to strength.”

    The Chief Operating Officer of Spectranet, Mr. Atul Ojh, said the technology of his company is equivalent to the best of the technology anywhere in the world.

    He said Spectranet was licensed by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) adding that their services is already available in Lagos and Abuja and will move to other parts of the country soon.

    He said the penetration of internet has direct link with the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), literacy and economic growth.

    He said: “All the professions can use this service to ensure that life is better. Everything in the world is connected in the world. We are taking steps to ensure that it is available to all spectrums of people. We have put up an outlet here  for the people. The network is very good in Abuja and I invite you to use these services and we are open to suggestions that will make us better.”

    On the prices and benefits, he said that prices are affordable and has cost effectiveness and faster download.

    On speed, he said that they have also created about eight centres in Abuja to ensure short distance.

  • Insurgency: Senate summons Service Chiefs

    Insurgency: Senate summons Service Chiefs

    The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Service Chiefs over the increasing activities of insurgents, especially in the northeastern part of the country.

    The Service Chiefs would specifically brief the lawmakers on the state of affairs in the Northeast and the effectiveness of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    A Senator, who disclosed this on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press, said the security chiefs were also expected to give account of security expenditure deployed in the fight against Boko Haram.

    Those invited to Thursday’s meeting  are – the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Army Staff,  Major General Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Naval Staff,  Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin , Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Adesola Amosu , the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, and the Director, State Security Services, Mr. Ekpeyong Nsah.

    Senate President, David Mark, had at the start of plenary on Wednesday charged the military to declare total war on Boko Haram.

    Mark spoke against the backdrop of the attack at the Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum, Yobe State.

    He noted that since it was obvious that Boko Haram has ignored all entreaties for dialogue, the military should deploy all arsenals available to it to flush out the insurgents from the country.

    He described the wanton killing of innocent students as most crime against the country and insisted that Nigerians must unite to defeat terror in all its ramifications.

     

  • 2015: Nigeria will come out stronger, united – Mark

    2015: Nigeria will come out stronger, united – Mark

    Senate President, David Mark, on Thursday expressed optimism that despite the growing anxiety and challenges ahead of the 2015 general elections, Nigeria would come out stronger and more united as a nation.

    Mark, who spoke when the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Michel Arrion, visited him in Abuja, added that government has improved and indeed strengthened political institutions to withstand any storm no matter the circumstances.

    The Senate President, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said, “Our political situation is steadily progressing. All Nigerians are now more conscious and indeed aware of elections and the processes.

    “Both the government and the governed are now doing the right thing to guarantee a free, fair and credible election.

    “Steadily, Nigerians have learnt how to play the game according to the rules. I have no doubt that the 2015 elections would be better than our previous elections. It would comply with international best practices.

    “It is going to be exciting and the whole world would appreciate that Nigeria is on the right track democratically.”

    He, however, appealed to the international election observers to report facts about the exercise without sentiment or narrow perspective, saying, “election observers should be able to go round in order to get the true position rather than a situation where reports would be based on just a visit to one or two polling units.”

    Mark pleaded with the EU to assist Nigeria tackle the unabating security challenges, pointing out that terrorism is no longer an internal affairs of a nation, but already assuming international dimension.