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Tag: Mark

  • Osun 2018: Saraki, Mark to reconcile aggrieved PDP members

    Ahead of the Osun September 22 governorship election, the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and his predecessor, Senator David Mark, are planning to reconcile aggrieved members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    They will soon be visiting the state to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in order to ensure that  the PDP goes into the forthcoming election as one indivisible unit.

    The state chairman of the party, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, said the two party leaders would convene a meeting to address certain fundamental issues and ensure that all shades of interests are accommodated in all other elective and appointive positions in the state.

    According to him, the national and state leadership of the party will ensure that no one is left behind in the reconciliatory process.

    Adagunodo, who advised aggrieved members to be patient, appealed to those who have instituted cases in court to withdraw them in order to facilitate the reconciliation process.

    He assured that the candidate of the party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is also ready to work with all other aspirants and party members who felt aggrieved by the outcome of the last primary election.

  • Guber poll: Saraki, Mark to reconcile PDP aggrieved members in Osun

    Ahead of the September 22 governorship election in Osun State, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his predecessor, David Mark, are working to reconcile aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    The state chairman of the party, Soji Adagunodo, said the two party leaders would convene a meeting to address fundamental issues and ensure that all interests are accommodated in order to put the party in sound footing ahead of the election.

    He said the national and state leadership of the party would ensure that no one is left behind in the reconciliatory process.

    Adagunodo, who advised aggrieved members to be patient, appealed to those who had instituted cases in court to withdraw them in order to facilitate the reconciliation process.

     

     

  • PDP, Saraki, Dogara, Mark, Atiku condemn planned impeachment

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senate President Bukola Saraki, House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Senate President David Mark and PDP presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar yesterday condemned Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom’s planned impeachment.

    Saraki and Dogara in a joint statement described as “a desecration of the legislative sanctity” the going situation in the Benue House of Assembly in which eight of the 30 members of the House of Assembly have commenced impeachment of the governor.

    Saraki and Dogara said that the 22 other members of the State House of Assembly who constituted more than two-thirds majority were kept away from the Assembly complex.

    “We have monitored closely the development in Benue State in which the impeached Speaker, Terkimbir Ikyange, led seven other members to serve impeachment notice on the Governor, Samuel Ortom, while the 22 other members who constitute more than two-third majority have been prevented from having access to the chamber. We believe this is illegality and does not conform to parliamentary procedure on impeachment.

    “We also note with surprise the role of the Police in this undemocratic event in which the minority is seeking to impeach a Governor against the position of the majority. We believe it is the sacred institution of the legislature that is being desecrated and rubbished in all these negative developments.

    “The situation in Benue State House of Assembly has grave implication for the nation’s democracy and it represents a throw-back to the period of dictatorship in our country. It also represents how the Nigeria Police are being misused to achieve political end. In a statement recently, the Presidency derisively referred to an era in the past where a minority number of legislators were used to impeach Governors who were unfriendly with the Federal Government. What we are seeing in Benue now is a return to that inglorious era.

    “We believe this unlawful and unconstitutional move to impeach Governor Samuel Ortom by a minority should be condemned by all lovers of democracy, at home and abroad. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the police to order and prevent a breakdown of law and order. We also call on friends of Nigeria in the international community to lend their voice in condemning the perpetration of illegalities and actions that can subvert our democracy.”

    After an emergency meeting in Abuja, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) condemned the impeachment move and also “the use of the EFCC and DSS to harass and intimidate officials of the Benue State Government”.

    According to the PDP, the unfolding drama in Benue State was meant to foment a crisis that could warrant the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

    The communique continued: “It is on record that the erstwhile Speaker had been impeached, suspended and restrained by a court of competent jurisdiction from parading himself as Speaker.

    “In spite of this, it is shocking that no fewer than 300 policemen were alleged to have escorted the impeached Speaker to the State House of Assembly to initiate a disgraceful and manifestly illegal process.

    “This misadventure is dead on arrival and again demonstrates the desperation of this failed APC Federal Government. PDP therefore urges its members, particularly in Benue State, to rise in defence of their rights and our hard earned democracy”.

    Atiku said: “Any attempt to disregard the rule of law and constitution in the impeachment of a governor is a recipe for anarchy and officially sanctioned lawlessness.”

    The former Vice President noted that whatever might be the short term political benefits of lawlessness, the long term dangers are by far greater than the perceived benefits.

    Senator Mark said: “It is unconstitutional and devoid of any known legislative practices and procedures.

    “I will advise members of the Benue State House of Assembly to be guided by the constitution and legislative rules and procedures. They should not engage in any act that could undermine the established tenet of democracy.”

  • Opelope Anointing Foundation to mark eighth anniversary

    Come July 7, top dignitaries, including Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, are expected to storm Epe, Lagos State as popular gospel minister, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju, aka Opelope Anointing marks the eighth anniversary of the Opelope Anointing Foundation (OAF), an initiative designed to touch the lives, especially of the underprivileged, aside spreading the gospel through music.

    The event which will hold at the Epe Town Hall, Ita Opo, will also attract the Osun State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Titi Tomori, Elder Akin Ognbiyi; actress, Mrs Idowu Philips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow; Lady Evangelist Iyabo Ogunsola; Pastor Taiwo Idris; Bishop Rachael Ibironke and guest speaker, Prophet Caleb Olulade among others.

    Gospel musicians expected to perform at the event include Evangelist Esther Igbekele, Biyi Samuel and Seyi Lewis. The highpoint of the event will be the charity programme where the people of Epe with benefit free healthcare services, free drugs and eye test, free glasses and windows, as well as supports for the underprivileged.

    “This initiative surfaced eight years ago and I thank God that we have been able to sustain it through the support of well-meaning Nigerians,” said Evangelist Olanrewaju.

    “We have toured different states including Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, affecting lives positively in the last eight years. It is our delight to mark this year’s anniversary with the people of Epe. This is significant, because it is the country home of the Lagos State governor, His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and we are happy to give back to his people, as well as inaugurate the Epe chapter of the Opelope Anointing Fans Club in his source. This will in a way serve as a token of appreciation to his tremendous works in Lagos State.”

    The two-day event, which will feature the inauguration of the Opelope Anointing Fans Club, Epe chapter, on July 6, would be graced by Governor Ambode and his wife, Bolanle as the special guest of honour and chairperson of the day respectively

  • ACF, PDP, Mark, Suswam, others decry killings

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has described   Tuesday  killings in Benue State as “unfortunate”.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, the ACF said:  ”The spate of attacks on innocent people, including clergy men and worshippers in their places of worship, is most callous and unfortunate.

    ”ACF therefore calls on the security agencies to be more proactive and re-strategise their security operations in order to nip these avoidable bloodlettings in the bud.

    “Perpetrators of these heineous crimes should be fished out and be brought to book to serve as deterrence to others.

    ”Furthermore, ACF urges the Federal Government to set up a panel of inquiry into these incessant killings that have continued to bedevil most of the Northern states, with the hope that amicable solution would be found for common good.

    ”ACF consoles the government, people and families of those killed and wounded and hope that God would provide them with what it takes to bear the losses. May their souls Rest In Peace.”

    Former Senate President David Mark condemned the killings.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark said: “I am saddened by this unabating carnage. The people of Benue State are accommodating and law-abiding but it seems this gesture has been misconstrued to be cowardice.

    “Our people are known for their bravery. We are not cowards. Something must be done to stop this carnage. Enough is enough.”

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described it as sacrilegious and callous.

    Spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan said: “More worrisome is that the Federal Government has continued to allow these killings without any decisive steps to stem the ugly trend.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government must live up to its basic responsibility of protection of lives and our national territorial integrity. Indeed, our citizens cannot continue to daily fall victims to attacks by marauders while the government fails to exert itself to guarantee their safety.”

    “The PDP commiserates with the Catholic Church, the government and people of Benue State as well as the families of the victims of these horrendous killings.

    “We pray God to heal our land and enthrone a national leadership that would restore peace, unity and harmonious living in our country,” the statement added.

    Former Governor Gabriel Suswam and former Assembly Speaker Terhile Ayua condemned the killings.

    They also sent their condolences to the Catholic Church and the people of the state over the killings of two priests and 14 other worshippers by alleged herdsmen during mass on Tuesday.

    Suswam, in a statement he personally signed said: “Words fail me to convey my feelings of grief at this sad occurrence, neither can another mere condemnation of such a dastardly heinous act suffice.

    “It is becoming a tragic routine to witness those killings and issue condemnation to them, after which they continue.”

  • NBA committee to mark Intellectual Property Day

    The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law Intellectual Property (IP) Committee will join the rest of the world to mark this year’s World Intellectual Property Day on Thursday with a seminar on Securing the Nigeria’s future through innovation and creativity.

    The section’s Chairman, Afam Nwokedi, said: “This year’s event will give value to those that have dedicated their innovative skills to promoting the Nigerian economy and as well as provide an opportunity for creatives to showcase the bountiful, innovative and creative abilities that abound in our country.”

    IP practitioners celebrate World Intellectual Property Day annually on April 26 to highlight the role of intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) in encouraging innovation and creativity around the world.

    This year’s World Intellectual Property Day campaign celebrates the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and courage of the women who are driving change and shaping our common future.

    The SBL IP seminar is supported by the NBA Section on Business Law, Stillwaters Law Firm, GRF Dalley & Partners, Advocaat Law Practice, PZ Cussons Nigeria and a host of others.

    After the event, the NBA-SBL will inaugurate an ‘SBL CLUB’ at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

  • Secondus, Mark promise Ekiti PDP aspirants free primary

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus yesterday promised the conduct of a credible, transparent, free and fair governorship primary in Ekiti State.

    Secondus said  the National Working Committee (NWC) would raise a panel of those he described as “eminent Nigerians” to organise and oversee the primary.

    The desire to conduct a primary that would be acceptable to all stakeholders and the electorate, he said, was a way to prove to Nigerians that the party has been rebranded and repositioned.

    He made the promise in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital  at a meeting held with all the aspirants, leaders and delegates ahead of the May 8 primary.

    Secondus led a team that included former Senate President David Mark to the meeting where a commitment to maintain peace and decorum was extracted from the aspirants.

    The three aspirants include former Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye; Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi and the incumbent Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    Olusola’s adoption as the “sole candidate” by Governor Ayo Fayose and his caucus has triggered defections by some governorship aspirants to other parties.

    Some of the aspirants are Chief Adebisi Omoyeni and Ambassador Dare Bejide. They  have joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Dr. Sikiru Lawal, who moved to the Labour Party (LP).

    Mark is the chairman of a Reconciliation Panel set up by the party to resolve the crisis that trailed Olusola’s adoption which other aspirants saw as imposition.

    Secondus said the three aspirants-Adeyeye, Olujimi and Olusola-signed what he described as “a covenant and an oath” at a meeting held in Abuja last Friday to work together and support whoever emerges as the winner of the primary.

    He said: “I assure you once again, there will be transparency and the process would not cheat anybody.

    “We agreed to address our supporters that all these people (aspirants) are now working together as a family and whoever emerges as candidate, all others will support the winner.

    “We assure you of free, fair and credible primary and eminent Nigerians will be appointed by the National Working Committee to conduct free, fair and credible primary.

    “We urge you to remain calm; we also urge INEC and security agents not to be partial but to defend democracy.”

    Mark said: “I have been working on bringing peace to Ekiti (PDP) by reconciling all parties and that has been done very well.

    “I also want to assure you that the process leading to the final election of whoever becomes the PDP candidate in Ekiti for the July poll will be free, fair and credible.

    “If we are insisting that INEC must be fair, it means we will have to do so ourselves at the party level.

    “Nobody will write delegates’ names, everyone will vote for candidate of his choice. We will ensure this and all stakeholders will ensure it.

    “We want to show the world what internal democracy is. Internal democracy will ensure that you all fight for your preferred candidate and we will ensure that.

    “PDP is going to win Ekiti, if this election is done 20 times, PDP will win Ekiti.”

    Adeyeye said: “I believe this meeting is to assure all of us in Ekiti that there will be free and fair primary. We want a free and fair primary.

    “If there is anybody that has written names of delegates, they should tear it off. The party has also assured to publish all names of delegates and that by May 8, everyone will vote in a secret ballot and no one will be intimidated or suspended.

    “If this is done, I am assured that PDP will coast home to victory.

    This is the first time I have seen PDP being very well organised in the primary.

    “I appeal to all of us that we should maintain our peace. Don’t feel harassed or intimidated; the leaders at the national level have assured us and I believe Governor Fayose has supported it.”

    Olujimi said: “This is a good beginning because before now, most of us could not come home to do anything but your comments as leaders would change the tide of things.

    “There is very much work to do, we need to set up another committee to do another reconciliation.

    “It is easy to do this thing about the primary but what about the general election? If the right things are not done, all these rabble rousers will run away.”

    Olusola said: “As an aspirant, I am committed to a free, fair and credible primary and by the grace of the Almighty God, I will remain loyal to this noble party and I will abide by the rules and  regulations of this party.

    “We are PDP, Ekiti is PDP and PDP is Ekiti; we are on ground and we will ensure that PDP carry the day on July 14.”

    Fayose said: “When I  contested in 2014, we won 158 wards out of 177 while APC won 19 wards but in the coming election, if APC gets 10 wards, I will concede the  election to them.

    “I want the other aspirants to be comfortable, the ultimate is to defeat APC  in Ekiti and Nigeria. In a matter like this, there will be many interests.

    “I am for Olusola but whoever that wins the primary, I will stand by that person. The worst PDP man is better than the best of APC.

    “I won’t behave like the mother of the biblical twins who killed her own child. If the other aspirants are not comfortable with my coming to the primary, I will stay in my house, I won’t come.

    “If you lose and the process is transparent, you should support the party. If the process is transparent and you lose, remain in the party. I will not renege on my words.”

  • Mark was my dependable subordinate in Army, says Danjuma

    Former Minister of Defence, General Yakubu Danjuma has  described former Senate President David Mark, as one of his most dependable subordinates in the military.

    Danjuma who was chairman at a dinner in Abuja to commemorate Mark’s 70th birthday said that he was not surprised that the senator is doing so well in politics.

    “David was one of my dependable subordinates in the army. I am not surprised that he is doing so well in politics, becoming the longest serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the former chief of army staff said.

    “David doesn’t look 70 at all to me. By the grace of God he will continue to serve his country in good health.”

    Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan who was one of the dignitaries at the occasion said that Mark was exceptionally skilful as Senate President and carried everybody along.

    Lawan described the celebrator as his mentor.

    “I learnt a lot from him for which I will always remain grateful to him,” he said.

    National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, who led members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party congratulated Mark on his birthday.

    He described Mark as a soldier per excellence.

    He noted that in the Niger Delta area, especially Rivers State, although he retired a Brigadier General, the people still referred to him as Major Mark because of the role he played as chairman of the panel on abandoned property.

    Secondus who said that there was no doubt that Mark remained one of the best in the fold of the PDP noted that “We need the voice of David Mark in this country so that when he speaks and we listen our nation can begin to change for better.”

    Also at the dinner were Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani,

    Senator Ita Enang represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

  • OBASANJO’S COALITION :Mark, Makarfi, Lamido, others weigh options

    OBASANJO’S COALITION :Mark, Makarfi, Lamido, others weigh options

    •New group in secret plot against 11 APC states
    •Ahmadu Ali tipped as CNM chair
    •Anger in PDP over Obasanjo’s overtures to aggrieved PDP leaders
    •Foreign missions open desks

    Several presidential aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are currently assessing how the Olusegun Obasanjo-inspired Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) might bolster their chances.

    In this category are  former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Alhaji Sule Lamido, The Nation gathered last night.

    However, some PDP leaders and governors are angry with the former president for allegedly trying to lure into the CNM party members who are  aggrieved against the new leadership of the PDP headed by Prince Uche Secondus.

    Multiple sources said the coalition is already plotting against 11 APC states to pave the way for any presidential candidate it might adopt, and may pick a one time National Chairman of the PDP, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, to lead it.

    Apart from the likes of former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and ex-Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, no politician of note has openly identified with the CNM since it’s unveiling in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Obasanjo, during his registration as a member of the coalition in Abeokuta on Thursday, said it was not yet a political party and that he would withdraw once it did.

    It was gathered that some politicians who have an eye on the presidency in next year’s election are considering how they might profit from the coalition.

    But they are waiting to see how it evolves and what influence it could wield.

    Known friends of Obasanjo, including Ahmed Makarfi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sule Lamido are treading cautiously in their attitude to the CNM.

    Former Senate President, David Mark, is said not to be keen in joining forces with the  coalition.

    Sources said he might drop his presidential ambition.

    A source familiar with the situation said: “I can tell you that some APC governors like Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and PDP leaders, including presidential aspirants like ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Shekarau and others are really weighing options before pitching tent with the CNM whose direction is still confusing a year to an election.

    “It is only Shekarau who has told Obasanjo that he cannot leave PDP under any circumstance for CNM. Obasanjo had invited Shekarau penultimate Wednesday to his place and the ex-governor spent a night with him.

    “By Thursday morning, Shekarau made it clear that he would not be part of CNM no matter the bait.

    “He however restated his respect for the ex-President. But he told Obasanjo his readiness to seek the presidential ticket of PDP and pleaded for the support of the statesman.

    When contacted last night, a close source to Shekarau said: “Our principal will remain in PDP; he won’t be part of Obasanjo’s coalition at all.”

    A trusted strategist of Kwankwaso also said: “In as much as Kwankwaso is in favour of a mass movement, he still prefers shifting base to a stronger party like PDP if President Muhammadu Buhari shows interest in APC presidential race. But Kwankwaso has no problem working with Obasanjo, who is his hero.”

    A source in Atiku’s camp said: “Our focus right now is on PDP primaries. If there is need for alignment later with anyone or movement; when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. Don’t forget that APC was also a product of a mass movement and realignment; Atiku will never be opposed to such if it is desirable.”

    A source in Makarfi’s group said: “We are expecting the PDP governors and leaders to appreciate the worth of our principal and concede the party’s presidential ticket to him.”

    A strategist of Tambuwal said: “While we appreciate Obasanjo as a statesman, it is not yet time for politics or joining any movement.”

    A reliable ally of Lamido said: “The ex-Governor of Jigawa State is a party man; he will stick to PDP no matter the outcome of PDP presidential primaries. In 2015, Obasanjo did his best to woo Lamido to APC but he refused. So, I don’t see him joining this movement. “

    Findings also revealed why PDP leaders and some APC governors had been cautious.

    A top source added: “What is not helping matters with CNM is the hidden agenda of the coalition of Obasanjo.

    “Some PDP leaders were told by a few sympathizers of CNM that the ultimate plan is to rely on PDP structure as the main opposition party, woo some APC governors, Senators and members of the House of Representatives, and foster alliance with a few parties to apply for a change of name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the new merger party. The name will reflect a combination of PDP and others.

    “Having torn PDP membership card, some of the leaders cannot understand why Obasanjo will seek to use its coalition to lure its leaders and members. The CNM wants to destroy PDP and build a new one from its rubbles.

    “The CNM has a dangerous game-plan which will lead to the hijack of PDP from the governors of the party led by Nyesom Wike and the new generation of leaders.”

    A member of NWC said the party’s leadership believes the “CNM will not work”

    The source added: “What is painful is that in forming the coalition, Obasanjo has drawn some aggrieved PDP leaders to himself instead of those in the leadership of the party who he refused to contact. Instead in his letter to President Buhari, he was accusing the party of procuring judgment at the Supreme Court.

    “From ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola (who was removed as PDP National Secretary) to ex-Governor Donald Duke, we learnt he has been trying to poach our former National Chairman, Sen. Ahmadu Ali, ex- Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu, ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Prof. Rufai Alkali, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Sen. Gadi, Arc. Bunu, Shehu Gabam and others.

    “As a party, we are keeping records of what the CNM is up to with our leaders. We believe in reconciliation and we are working towards it. But if some of these leaders prefer CNM, good luck to them.”

    Some CNM leaders were shocked that the coalition took off on a shaky note because of last minutes change of mind by some PDP leaders and APC governors who had assured Obasanjo of their support.

    The affected subscribers to CNM had a rethink and stayed away from the maiden launch in Abuja because most of them were unsure of how the coalition can guarantee them elective positions in 2019.

    Others claimed that it was “premature “to take any gamble with the coalition because 2019 politics is just manifesting.

    It was learnt that the initial plan to make the coalition to take off with “frenzy” failed as plan with the absence of the affected leaders who had planned to be at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.

    It was gathered that the development informed the relaunch of the CNM, under the guise of membership registration by ex-President Obasanjo, on Thursday in Abeokuta.

    Sources said that Obasanjo’s long standing ally and former National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ahmadu Ali, may lead the CNM as chairman in view of his experience in ‘garrison politics’.

    Meanwhile, there were fresh indications yesterday that Obasanjo’s coalition is in a secret plot against 11 APC states in order to pave the way for any presidential candidate it might adopt.

    The targeted states are Kaduna, Jigawa, Kano, Osun, Katsina, Benue, Kwara, Ogun, Plateau, Imo, and Bauchi.

    “The coalition wants to capitalize on some challenges in some of these states to effect change in leadership. The initial test of the coalition’s campaign will be during the forthcoming Osun and Ekiti governorship polls. The permutation is that once it is able to mobilize the masses to dislodge APC and PDP, the coalition would have effectively taken off.

    “The template in Osun and Ekiti will now be used for the other nine states. The APC leaders are however aware of the plot and a counter-plot has started, beginning with the responses of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole to Obasanjo on his letter to Buhari.”

    As at press time however, findings confirmed that most foreign missions have opened desks to monitor the potency of CNM and the emerging political scenarios in the country.

    A diplomat said: “Your country is undergoing an interesting political time, we are all watching. Our home countries are really interested in what will become of Obasanjo’s project, especially if it will have impact on your country’s politics.

    “We want a robust and stable democracy and peace for Nigeria.”

  • c, Onaiyekan, Apochi canvass unity against killings

    c, Onaiyekan, Apochi canvass unity against killings

    •As former Senate President dedicates church to God

    Former Senate President, David Mark, the  Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and his Otukpo diocese counterpart, Michael Apochi, were unanimous yesterday in their quest for Nigerians to unite against criminality and fight for the liberation of citizens  from the grips of Boko Haram, violent herdsmen, kidnappers  and armed banditry  in parts of the country.

    Senator Mark and the spiritual leaders spoke at the dedication of an ultra-modern complex built and donated to St. Augustine  Catholic Church , Otukpo, Benue State by the immediate past President of the Senate and his family .

    Mark’s spokesman, Paul Mumeh, said in a statement that the Senator expressed  appreciation to God for empowering him  contribute to  the propagation of the gospel  needed to salvage mankind  and make the society a better place.

    Mark added that the church building was his family’s modest contribution towards spreading the gospel of God.

    It said the former Senate President hoped that the worship centre will help curtail evil in the society and transform perpetrators for good.

    Mark said: “I feel fulfilled that this church project is a reality. As long as I live, I will serve God and humanity. I am a ready hand  for God to use to transform our society”.

    In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan bemoaned the violent clashes in parts of the country, particularly the recent Benue massacre, that claimed scores of lives.

    He said:” We must, as a people of Nigeria ,unite against these forces of evil  to liberate ourselves .

    “These carnage and bloodletting orchestrated by hatred and wickedness cannot be a way of life. We must all join hands to stop this spate of killings.

    “As Christians , we pray for peace. Justice and love. We have no room for hatred or vengeance. Vengeance is for God. Let us do everything that promotes peace and harmonious relationship with our neighbors.”

    He reminded the federal government to include rebuilding of churches destroyed by insurgents as it prepares to rebuild the crisis- ridden North Eastern states.

    The host Bishop Apochi, expressed appreciation to Senator Mark and his family for the gesture believing  that the house of worship will help promote peace, unity and curtail the ills in the society.

    Four other Catholic Bishops; Peter Adoboh ( Katsina- Ala), Wilfred Anagbe ( Makurdi), William Avenya ( Gboko) and Michael Gokum (Pankshin) and about 50 Priests joined in the dedication of the new church.