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Tag: Mark

  • Nigeria withdraws peacekeeping troops from Mali

    The President of the Senate, David Mark, on Monday said activities of Boko Haram insurgents had compelled the government to withdraw Nigeria’s peacekeeping troops from Mali.

    He made the remark at a two-day retreat on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy jointly organised by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos.

    The Senate President said Boko Haram insurgency had become a major challenge to Nigeria’s efforts at forging relationships with her French-speaking neighbours.

    “The activities of Boko Haram insurgents are beginning to affect Nigeria’s foreign policy,” said Mark, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sen. Anthony Manzo.

    He held that any government’s foreign policy was an extension of its domestic policy.

    “Let me advert to the domestic exigency that is now dominating and affecting Nigeria’s foreign policy.

    “The onslaught of Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria presently constitutes a serious national security threat.

    “If a foreign policy is a reflection of the domestic policy, then, their acts have invariably affected and determined our foreign behaviour,’’ he said.

    He expressed optimism that the retreat would identify and proffer solutions to Nigeria’s present foreign policy challenges.

    Sen. Mathew Nwagwu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, said Nigeria’s foreign policy had since 1960 remained consistent with very few adjustments to meet the present challenges.

    Nwagwu said the retreat was to review some aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy and strengthen its missions abroad.

     

  • Nigeria still hope of Africa – Mark

    Senate President David Mark on Thursday insisted that Nigeria remains the hope of Africa irrespective of daunting challenges.

    Mark, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, spoke at a Special Church service at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, to mark this year’s democracy day.

    He urged Nigerians not to despair in spite of the challenges associated with democracy because it remains the best and acceptable form of government.

    He stated that there is no alternative to democracy because it is participatory and representative of all.

    Mark said: “Nigeria is still the hope of Africa. We must not despair. We must remain resolute because there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”

    He decried the unabating security situation in the country and asked all citizens to cooperate with government and security operatives to fight terrorism and insurgency ravaging the land.

    The President of the Senate specifically prayed for the quick, safe and unconditional release of over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State.

    “This is most embarrassing. How can they justify the abduction of these innocent girls whose only offence is that they chose to be educated to better their lots and ultimately contribute to the economic and socio-political development of their fatherland?

    “We pray that God touches the heart of their abductors to free them even as we do everything humanly possible to rescue our girls. However, swapping them for criminals is not an option,” he stated.

  • Mark to Eagles: Make Nigeria proud at World Cup

    Mark to Eagles: Make Nigeria proud at World Cup

    Senate President, David Mark, on Monday urged the Super Eagles to do the nation proud at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

    Mark in a goodwill message to the players and officials reminded them that Nigerians are solidly behind them in the quest for glory.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in a statement in Abuja quoted Mark as saying “with team spirit and total commitment, there is no team in the world you cannot conquer. I am hopeful that you will do us proud in Brazil.

    “As reigning African Champions, the huge responsibility is on us to prove a point that Africans have come of age in the global football tournament. I am optimistic that you know the huge responsibility and be ready to defend your fatherland and indeed the continent.”

    He enjoined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports, not to leave anything to chance in the prosecution of the championship.

    He noted that sports especially football remain potential ingredient for all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation, religion or ethnic leanings to achieve peace and unity.

    Mark added: “It is instructive to note that any time Nigeria is playing. All of us forget our differences. No religion. No politics and no ethnic consideration. Every one speaks with one tongue; Nigeria, Nigeria and Nigeria. So, if sports would bring the much needed peace and unity, it is only logical that we focus more on sports in all ramifications.”

    He praised the management and officials of the NFF including the Director-General of  the Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, the President  of NFF, Aminu Maigari and Coach Stephen Keshi.

    He reiterated the need for cooperation in order to achieve the objective.

    The Super Eagles left Abuja on Sunday for preparatory friendly matches with Scotland, United States and Greece before heading to Brazil for FIFA’s premier soccer tournament starting on June 12.

  • Chibok: ECOWAS vows to tackle Boko Haram

    Chibok: ECOWAS vows to tackle Boko Haram

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday vowed to invoke necessary sections of its laws including military might to fight Boko Haram.

    Boko Haram now ravaging parts of the sub-region, especially Northern Nigeria abducted over 200 schools girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, over a month ago.

    The girls are still in captivity.

    Ghanaian President, John Mahama, spoke when he declared open the 2014 First Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

    In their separate addresses, Senate President, David Mark and his Deputy,  Ike Ekweremadu, said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with the regional body to tackle the insurgency and insecurity.

    Ekweremadu, specifically commended the Paris Summit, aimed at tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Mahama, who spoke through the Vice President of Ghana, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, condemned in strong terms the activities of Boko Haram and promised that the Sub-regional body would do everything possible to fight the insurgents.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in a statement in Abuja quoted the Ghanaian leader as saying “We condemn in the strongest of terms, the continuous killing of innocent Nigerians in parts of the North.

    “We shall invoke relevant sections of our laws to fight this crime. The recent abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok is reprehensible and so disheartening. No decent society will accept this.”

    Mahama urged ECOWAS Parliament to cooperate and support the governments of the sub region in the fight against insurgency.

    Mark, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, told the gathering that the Boko Haram activities have negatively affected the economic and socio- political life of Nigerians.

    Mark said: “Terrorism and insurgency are alien to our culture. We must therefore stand united against it in all its ramifications.

    “We will continue to seek regional and international collaboration in the fight against these crimes which by their nature are transnational.”

     

     

  • Mark: we’ll work 24 hours to rescue abducted girls

    Mark: we’ll work 24 hours to rescue abducted girls

    HUNDREDS of women  yesterday protested the abduction of 234 girls in a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State.

       The protest was held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. They also marched to the National Assembly.

       President David Mark spoke with the protesting women.

    His words: “Our dear mothers, daughters and wives, fathers, brothers and sons, I stand with the same amount of heavy heart that has brought you here. For those of you who watched television, we resumed plenary yesterday and both houses did nothing else but took the motion on the recent abduction of our daughters, of our children. The issue was discussed on the floor of both houses yesterday. Senators wept, Honourable members wept. We have reached a stage where we can no longer tolerate a situation where one Nigerian will be lost not to talk of the number in Chibok. Both houses resolved that this is one issue that must be resolved and must be resolved as fast as possible. The time taken so far is bad enough.

    “It is a sign that rain is beating us here today and if it means standing in the rain for the rest of our lives to get our daughters back, I think we will be more than willing. The House of Representatives resolved yesterday that they will summon the service chiefs and I believe sooner than later, the service chiefs will come to the House of Representatives.

    “Senators resolved yesterday that they will meet with the president immediately and it is going to happen almost immediately. The House of Representatives will see the Service Chief and they will explain to them but that is not the issue, the issue here is that we want our daughters and our children back.

    “Let me assure you that we share in your agony. We share in your pain. We are fathers and mothers just like you are and whatever happens in North East happens and touches the lives of every Nigerian, including the Legislators.

     “Yesterday, we resumed at the federal level and we stand with you in your agony, we share with you in your pain and we will work with all arms of government to make sure that our children are brought back in the earliest possible time.

    “At this age and time, what I want to do today is to apologise that the process is taking this long but we will work with you and we will do whatever is possible to make sure that this is resolved as quickly as possible, but the question is: when will that happen?

    “I believe the speaker also spoke with the traditional ruler in Chibok and we have been getting briefings as well as we are trying to get briefing from the Service Chiefs.

     “Let me assure you that from now onwards, you will get a regular briefing from us on what is happening. We also need briefing on what is happening, if it is hourly briefing, that will happen, no problem because we need to know what is happening.

    “Being in darkness and not knowing what is happening will lead to greater agony and pain. If we know that something is being done, then we also need to be briefed because if you watched the television, like the CNN or BBC, it is believed that we are not being briefed and that is a bigger problem that must be resolved as quickly as possible.

    “Once more, I want to appeal to you, we will remain prayerful; we will remain with you and we share this pain you are going through with you as mothers, sisters, wives, and brothers. Please bear with us as legislators and I beg those involved.

    “Let me assure you that we will fight it the way that we ought to fight and if Boko Hraam has declared war on the nation, we must muster all our resources because this is a war and there is no question of mincing words about it anymore. We will work with you and we get to a logical conclusion at the earliest possible time.

    “Once more, I want to on behalf of the legislators sympathise with you and apologise that this is taking too long but from now onwards, we are going to work 24 hours a day to make sure this matter is resolbved. Please bear with us and please know that we are with you.”

     

    Falana: we must

    get concrete result

     

    Lagos lawyer Mr Femi Falana also spoke at the rally.

    His words: “Well, I’m a father. I’m a concerned Nigerian and these daughters that have been kidnapped, abducted are our children. In the African tradition, you are your brother’s or sister’s keeper and that I why I’m here.

    “Injustice to one is injustice to all. We are all concerned. We are all worried. It is not an entirely women affair; the initiative has been taken by women but there are men who feel concerned that this protest is a collective rejection of the brutality meted on the children who are currently in the custody of criminals.

    “Until we can get concrete result, we can’t see the efforts here. In fact, this morning, very disappointing that Nigerians are asked to be praying, that is a private affairs of Nigerians and the duty of the government is to inform us, to tell us what concrete efforts are being made to rescue this children from the custody of criminals.”

  • Mark, Senate flay Abuja bombing

    Mark, Senate flay Abuja bombing

    President of the Senate, David Mark, on Monday condemned the early morning explosion that killed several people at an Abuja bus station.

    He urged the perpetrators to rethink “because this is a needless war.”

    He added: “It is hard to believe that this is happening to us. No matter the anger or grievances in any body’s mind. This war on defenceless citizens is uncalled for. This is inhuman and unarguably ungodly.”

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement issued in Abuja noted that Mark who was already at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, enroute Ibadan, Oyo State, made a u-turn in honor of the victims on hearing of the sordid incident.

    Mark was on his way to attend the birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, on his 100 years and receive a Chieftaincy from the revered monarch.

    He sympathized with the victims and reminded Nigerians of the need to be their brothers’ keeper at all times.

    Mark called on Security operatives to collaborate with others even as he counseled them to be more proactive in order to end the menace.

    The Senate also decried the latest bomb blast at the Nyanya motor park, describing it as callous and wicked.

    A statement by its spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the blast is one incident by the evil minds that should prick Nigeria’s collective consciousness.

     

  • Students mark World Water Day

    Students mark World Water Day

    Members of the Environmental Health Technology Students Association (EHTSA), Federal University of Technology in Owerri (FUTO) chapter, have celebrated the World Water Day.

    In his remark, President of the association, Celestine Onah, said: “Despite the fact that water is one of the basic essentials for life, it is a scarce commodity in many parts of the world because 20 per cent of the world population does not have access to safe drinking water. In Nigeria, access to potable water is a challenge.”

    He said the 2008 Joint Monitoring Programme of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) stated that the proportion of world population using water from improved sources decreased by three per cent from 1990 to 2006, while the urban population with access to improved sources of drinking water decreased to 65 per cent from 80 per cent in 1990 to 2006. He added that the bodies also revealed that access to potable water in rural areas reduced to 30 per cent from 34 per cent in 1990 to 2006.

    He said the day was set aside to remind people about the significance of potable water and to promote sustainability for fresh water management and protect its sources and consumption.

    Speaking on this year’s theme, Water and energy, Celestine said: “The United Nations is paying attention to the water-energy nexus to particularly address inequities, especially for the ‘bottom billion’ who live in slums and impoverished rural areas and survive without access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food and energy services.”

    It called on Nigeria to improve the current water supply level of 44 per cent, saying it was below the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target of 75 per cent.

    A participant, Orimoloye Emmanuel, said: “considering the importance of water as a basic necessity, it should be made available in its purest form, and should be one of the fundamental human rights”.

  • Boko Haram: Mark seeks UN support

    Boko Haram: Mark seeks UN support

    President of the Senate David Mark Thursday asked the United Nations (UN) to intervene and indeed rescue Nigeria from the clutches of insurgency bringing the nation to her kneels.

    Mark told the visiting Deputy Secretary General of UN , Mr. Jan Eliasson in Abuja that  the security challenges facing the country demands support and assistance from the UN.

    The Senate President, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said: “We are pained by what is happening to us. The security challenge is enormous.

    “We truly need assistance from the UN to tackle the situation. If somebody had told me that Nigeria would face this kind of security challenge five years ago, I would have dismissed it.

    “Our security operatives are applying minimal force to address the situation. We are also appealing to the perpetrators to see reasons and give peace a chance.”

    He also told the UN boss, that Nigeria rightly deserve a permanent member at the UN Security Council and urged the global body to help Nigeria realize the ambition.

    Mark was further quoted to have said that: “Nigeria will continue to play key roles in international and regional affairs. We have excellent record in peace keeping operations.”

    The Senate President also requested the UN to put measures in place to help industrialize Nigeria as part of efforts to create job opportunities and engage the growing army of unemployed youths.

    He said Nigeria would continue to identify her challenges with a view to finding solutions to them.

    The Deputy Secretary General of the UN appreciated Nigeria for the continued support and cooperation to the global body.

    Eliasson noted that the UN anchors its operations on the peace, security, development, human rights,  justices and rule of law which he asked Nigeria to uphold.

    He promised that the UN would map out strategies to help Nigeria tackle the menace of terrorism now assuming a dangerous dimension in the land.

    He pointed out that the terrorists have the antics of harassment and intimidation to achieve their purpose but cautioned Nigeria not to be provoked or intimidated but confront them headlong.

    To Eliasson, Nigeria is a strategic partner to the UN  both at the regional and global perspective.

    “We, on our side will extend our cooperation to you,” he added.

    He said the UN building in Abuja destroyed by terrorists in 2011 was being rebuilt and asked for adequate security to forestall a recurrence.

  • Capital punishment antidote to terrorism – Mark

    Capital punishment antidote to terrorism – Mark

    Senate President, David Mark, Tuesday insisted that capital punishment is the antidote to the menace of terrorism in the country.

    Mark spoke while addressing the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), who besieged his office to register their protest against the unabating insurgency in the country.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh in a statement in Abuja said Mark also reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government towards ending the insurgency in the country.

    The statement added that Mark described killings in the name of religion as condemnable and totally unacceptable.

    “My faith does not accept capital punishment, but as an individual I believe that if you kill, you should be killed as well,” Mark stated.

    He told the aggrieved women: “We are as pained as you are; I think there is no one who is not feeling the pain. In those days, you can travel anytime, anywhere and any village you want to, you are always welcomed and secured. But today, the reverse is the case. We must rise up and collectively condemn this dastardly act in our society.”

    The Senate President commended the military for their efforts so far but was quick to remind Nigerians of the need to be watchful and support the government in the quest to end the insurgency.

    Senator Mark said there is need to win the heart of all and sundry in curbing all forms of insecurity saying: “Beside insurgency, kidnapping and armed robbery goes on in other parts of the country.”

    He assured his guests of the National Assembly’s continued efforts to bring peace back to the nation saying there is no day in the plenary when issues of peaceful co-existence of the citizens is not given prominence during debate.

    He said: “All of us have roles to play, not only the elected and the Armed Forces, government need our cooperation in order to bring succour back to our dear nation.”

    He thanked FOWMAN for taking the bold step to speak out and condemn the insurgency and insecurity across the nation saying, “truth must be told and the earlier you say it the better.”

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hajia Hadijat Suleiman stated that FOWMAN decided to visit the National Assembly to express her grief and anger before the lawmakers, saying, “we are here to show you  the bleeding hearts of Nigerian women, the agonizing pain and feeling of despair which the woman folks have been made to face in recent times.”

    She added: “FOWMAN mourns with the rest of humanity over the inhuman destruction of creations of Allah and wanton shedding of the blood of innocent citizens in this country.

    “We view with sadness, trepidation and a deep concern the continuous escalation of violent attack on innocent lives and property in multiple locations.

    “We are mothers, wives, we are nurturers of life, nurturers of families, we are builders and sustainers of nations, we are not destroyers, these killing of our children, our men and indeed women must stop.

    “We urged the National Assembly to make a loud and resounding statement and stand up to be counted for the benefit of posterity. Government should explore all avenues to determine the source and sustainers of this phenomenon. It is crime against humanity.”

    Suleiman however pleaded with appropriate government agencies to provide relief materials to all victims of the violence

  • Mark decries decimation of Nigerians

    Mark decries decimation of Nigerians

    Senate President David Mark Monday expressed worry over the unabating violent crime that has claimed numerous lives and properties across the country.

    He insisted that terrorists have not only degenerated to the level of beasts but have become insane.

    Mark who reacted to the latest attacks in parts of Benue state which claimed hundreds of lives and properties, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh in Abuja, wondered how some Nigerians have suddenly become so wicked and cruel to one another.

    He was quoted to have said that: “I cannot understand why people have resorted to killing each other at will without the slightest provocation.  This is not part of us. This is highly inhuman and unacceptable.”

    He reminded Nigerians of the time-tested philosophy of Africans being their brothers’ keeper at all times, saying “we are still one people created by the same God.  Neither religion nor politics or ethnicity should put asunder to our cherished peace and unity.”

    He tasked security operatives to collaborate with one another in order to work out a synergy for result-oriented approach towards ending the killings.

    He sympathized with the government and people of Benue State over the incessant attacks and called for proactive approach in order to avoid a repeat occurrence.

    Specifically, Mark requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NAMA) to help its Benue State counterpart to provide relief materials to the victims now taking refuge in various camps across the state.

    He pleaded with his Benue state kinsmen to maintain peace and order as both the state and Federal Governments have resolved to halt the trend “so that we can all be at peace and make progress.”