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Tag: Mark

  • Atiku, Mark want perpetrators of Benue, Rivers, Kaduna killings punished

    Atiku, Mark want perpetrators of Benue, Rivers, Kaduna killings punished

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark have joined other Nigerians in condemning the mindless killings in the various communities in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states during the New Year celebrations.

    Scores of worshippers in Omoku, Rivers State were murdered in cold blood; about 20 were killed in a Benue farming community. A traditional ruler and his household were hacked to death in Southern Kaduna on New Year’s Day.

    In separate statements in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku and Mark described the killings as unacceptable and urged the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

    The reactions are coming on the heels of Wednesday’s Boko Haram suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Borno State which killed scores of worshippers and injured several others.

    Atiku described the killings in those states and other senseless killings and reprisal blood-letting as ungodly, a throwback to the stone age, and a hindrance to the promotion of peace and unity.

    The former Vice President insisted that the diversity of Nigeria remained one of its strongest points, reminding leaders of all persuasions and at all levels to ensure that they promote the things that unite rather than those that create divisions.

    “That the Almighty in His wisdom made us a nation of different tongues and tribes; made us Africa’s most populous nation with more than 300 tribes is no accident. If well enhanced, our diversity should be our biggest strength.

    “There cannot be development when innocent lives are being lost in a seeming endless cycle of attacks and reprisals. While we should hold every life as precious, it is more painful that the victims of these attacks are women and youths – the demography that we depend upon to drive development”, Atiku added.

    Praying for fortitude for the bereaved families, Atiku urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the New Year to reflect on the needless killings and to resolve to live in peace and harmony.

    Mark said he had taken stock of the renewed violent attacks in the three states and called for urgent and strategic approach to halt further tragedies. He described the attacks reprehensible, barbaric and inhuman.

    The lawmaker lamented the unabated anarchy across the land and urged security operatives to rise up to the challenges and curb the menace.

    He called for working synergy among security operatives to combat the worrisome situation.

    Mark condoled with the governments and people of Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states over the killings and advised them to step up measures needed to protect lives and property.

    “No matter the anger in a man’s mind, resorting to violence or taking another person’s life can only aggravate the situation. There are enough channels of mediation, including the courts and the legislature to address perceived or alleged misdemeanor.

    “Nobody has a right to take another man’s life needlessly. The law must take its course and perpetrators must not go unpunished. This lawlessness must not continue. Security operatives must do the needful to fish out the perpetrators.

    “Nigeria is a nation governed by law where every citizen is a stakeholder and everyone has a right to life.

    “Our governments must stand up for the people. Enough of this malady. We deserve to live in peace in our fatherland,” Mark said.

  • Alleged N748m property: Mark presents health excuse certificate to EFCC

    Alleged N748m property: Mark presents health excuse certificate to EFCC

    Following the ongoing probe of the purchase of a N748million property, a  former President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, has presented the health excuse certificate to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He also said his health was not stable enough to enable him write a statement on issues connected with the purchase of the official residence of Senate President.

    He asked the anti-graft agency to allow him to attend to his health and return on or before January 11 for interrogation on the said property.

    But he told the EFCC detectives that he bought the quarters with a loan and  promised to present relevant documents next year.

    These claims are contained in a fact-sheet by the EFCC on the investigation of the ex-Senate President.

    According to the document, Mark has three cases before the EFCC which are being handled by separate teams of detectives.

    The other cases are N550m arms procurement cash from ONSA and N2.9billion curious payment into the account of the National Assembly’s account and shared to Senators during Mark’s tenure; and his role in about N2billion campaign funds meant for Benue State.

    The document said Mark was expected to respond to the following issues:

    • The property was unlawfully acquired in 2011.
    • Didn’t the buying of the house amount to an abuse of office?
    • Whether or not the purchase of the property was not a violation of Part 11 (b) of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008 otherwise known as the Remuneration Act, 2008
    • Did the process of acquisition of the house comply with Section 15 (1) of the Procurement Act, 2007;
    • Was the sale of the house gazetted by the Federal Government?

    A top source, privy to the investigation, said: “When Mark met with our team of detectives on the N748million, he only presented a health excuse certificate.

    “Later he said he could not write any statement to respond to issues isolated for him because he said he was unstable. We accorded him enough respect befitting of his status.

    “He told our team verbally that he bought the house with a loan and pleaded with the EFCC to allow him to return on or before January 11, 2018 to come for grilling on the property.

    “Having asked him to deposit his passports, we are expecting him to come for interrogation in January.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday confirmed the arrest one Mohammed Momoh, a farmer, for attempting to defraud the governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al- Makura.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said the suspect had posed as a private investigator and demanded N8million bribe to stop the alleged probe of Al-Makura.

    The statement said: “The suspect while posing as a ‘private investigator from the Villa’ had approached the wife of the governor with a proposition to help stop a purported investigation of two accounts belonging to the governor, by the EFCC.

    “He claimed he came across information regarding the two accounts that had been under investigation since 2011 and also intercepted mails and gotten wind of the investigation report purportedly sent to First Bank by the EFCC.

    “The suspect had requested for N8 million, but was offered N6 million. Suspicious about the proposal, the governor’s family contacted the commission and were asked to play along with the suspect. The suspect was arrested in a sting operation after he collected marked N2million.

    “The suspect is currently in custody and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

    “In a related development, a serving police officer, Mohammed Nuhu Maina, has been arrested for impersonation.

    “The suspect who claimed to be Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, attached to the commission, had approached his victim with offer to help him recover his money, N21m; which is subject of investigation by the EFCC.

    “Maina allegedly collected several sums of money from his victim before he became suspicious.

    “The suspect called the victim on December 21, 2017 and demanded for more money.

    “The victim immediately contacted the EFCC and he was accompanied by operatives of the commission who tracked Maina and arrested him opposite Rockview Hotel, close to the EFCC head office in Wuse 2, Abuja.

    “In the course of arrest, Maina was found with EFCC Vehicle Auction Certificates, EFCC stickers, EFCC writing pads, amongst others.

    “Maina is currently in custody, assisting the investigation.

    “The EFCC has consistently warned members of the public to be wary of impostors who go about extorting unsuspecting members of the public. The commission again implores the public to report any solicitation for gratification either by genuine or fake EFCC operatives to the nearest office of the commission or police station.”

  • Why we’re probing Mark’s purchase of SP’s house, by govt

    Why we’re probing Mark’s purchase of SP’s house, by govt

    The Federal Government has explained why it is probing the purchase of the official residence of the Senate President by Senator David Mark.

    Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Chairman, Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIPRPP) Okoi Obono-Obla, explained that the investigation was informed by information to the effect that Mark, a former Senate President, unlawfully acquired the property in 2011, without being reflected in the Federal Government’s gazette as required.

    They argued that the house said to be built on 1.6 hectares of land, located in Gudu, Apo, Abuja, is a national monument that was not meant to be acquired by an individual.

    Malami and Obono-Obla’s explanation is contained in the court papers they filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday. It was  in reaction to a suit by Mark, challenging the notice of investigation served on him by the SPIPRPP.

    The documents include a notice of preliminary objection, a counter-affidavit to Mark’s motion for interlocutory injunction and a defence to the substantive suit.

    An official in the office of the Chairman of SPIPRPP, Aribatise Olanrewaju, who deposed to the counter- affidavit for Malami and Obono-Obla stated that the panel was empowered to probe the circumstances in which Mark took over the property.

    He said although former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the sale of the property to Mark, the purchase was not gazetted as required by law.

    He said: “The request of Senator Bala Muhammad (the then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) was approved by former President Jonathan, but on the condition that the sale should be gazetted.

    “However, the sale of the property were never gazette. Notwithstanding the directive of former President Jonathan that the said house should be sold to the plaintiff upon enactment of a Federal Government gazette, the said property was illegally sold to the plaintiff;

    “The sales of these houses were never reflected in the Federal Government official gazette contrary to directive/ minute in the memo of Senator Bala Muhammad to former President Jonathan.

    “I know as a fact that the sale of the said house to the plaintiff was never conducted in a competitive bidding and transparent process; this is contrary to the provisions of Section 15 (1) of the Procurement Act, 2007;

    “I know as a fact that the sale was contrary to the provisions of the Federal Government of Nigeria official gazette No. 82, Vol. 92 of 15 August 2005;

    “The said house is a national monument, which should have never been sold;

    “I know as a fact that the provisions of Part 11 (b) of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008 otherwise known as the Remuneration Act, 2008 provides that Senate President is provided with accommodation by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “I know as a fact that the sale to the said house was contrary to the provisions of Paragraphs 1  & 6 (1) of Part 1 of the 5th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) since the purchaser (the Plaintiff) was a the Senate President  he purchased the house.”

    Olanrewaju referred the law that empowered the  panel to investigate Mark’s acquisition of the property.

    He said: “I know as a fact that the notice alluded to in paragraph 17 of the affidavit is therefore not  a notice of eviction as claimed by the plaintiff/applicant.

    “I know as a fact that the 2nd defendant never declared the plaintiff/applicant acquisition of the said property illegal, but a notice to inform him that the acquisition of the said property was under investigation by the Special Investigation Panel.

    “I know as a fact that the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria pursuant to the provisions of Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,” he said.

    In their objection, Malami and Obono-Obla faulted the suit by Mark and described it as a ploy to stall his ongoing investigation.

    Obono-Obla, who endorsed the processes filed by the respondents in the suit – the AGF and Obono-Obla – described the suit as speculative and hypothetical.

    He contended, in the objection that the Federal High Court was without the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

    He grounds on which he hinged his argument include that the court has no jurisdiction to grant the relief sought by the plaintiffs in view of the fact that, by virtue of Section 251 (1) (p) of the Constitution, the subject matter of the case has nothing to do with the administration or the management and control of the Federal Government or any of its agencies.

    He said the suit was a disguise to scuttle criminal investigation of the plaintiff  (a public officer) using the court.

    Obono-Obla added tha: “This court has no jurisdiction to stop the Special Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property established pursuant to Section 1 (1) of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 from carrying out its statutory functions.

    “The 2nd defendant (Obono-Obla) is an agent of a disclosed principal and as such the plaintiff is wrong to sue the 2nd defendant in his official capacity with his personal name.

    “This suit has disclosed no reasonable cause of action; it is speculative and hypothetical,” he said.

    The SPIPRPP, In September this year, issued a 21-day notice to Mark to quit the property or “show cause” why the Federal Government should not “enforce the recovery of the property for public good”.

    Rather than “show cause” as requested by SPIPRPP, Mark head before the Federal High Court where he lodged the suit and prayed the court to among others, quash all steps taken by the panel to evict him and recover the house from him.

    The case will come up for hearing on January 22, 2018before Justice Gabriel Kolawole

  • DAVID Mark to EFCC on N748m house: you’re chasing shadows P5

    DAVID Mark to EFCC on N748m house: you’re chasing shadows P5

    A former Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday said the accusations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any other government  that he purchased his N748 million Apo Residential House illegally were  spurious, contrived and baseless.

    He said the EFCC or any other agency were chasing shadows in probing how he bought his house.

    He insisted that he did not flout any law.

    Mark, who made the clarifications in a statement through his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, said if his investigation was about 2019 politics, “no amount of persecution would alter the will of God”.

    The ex-Senate President is presently being probed by the EFCC and the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property.

    The statement said: “The property was ‘duly offered for sale, bid for, and purchased like any other person would in line with Federal Government’s Monetisation Policy that was started during the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    “I had the right of first refusal. Even if I did not purchase it, someone else would have.

    “I am a law-abiding citizen. I did not flout any law.

    “Curiously, four houses occupied by the then Presiding Officers of National Assembly were offered to the occupants. All of us, me as the then President of the Senate, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and his Deputy Bayero Nafada were all given the same offer.

    “I am at a loss as to why it is now a subject of contention.”

    He said if he was being investigated because of 2019 politics, no one can alter the will of God

    The statement added: “If this persecution is about politics, my political party and the 2019 elections, I dare say that only God and Nigerians would decide. No amount of persecution would alter the will of God.

    “I had refrained from commenting on this because it is already in the law Court. But they have taken the matter to the court of public opinion.”

    “Senator Mark through his lawyer Ken Ikonne in the suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja had said that he followed due process and legally acquired the property from the FCDA on April 27, 2011.

    “Senator Mark is also asking the court for a declaration that an order by the Attorney General of the Federation and one Obono Obla of the Presidential Task Force on Recovery of Government Properties compelling him to vacate the aforesaid property without affording him a fair hearing amounted to a denial of his fundamental human rights, unconstitutional and void.

    “He recalled that the Federal Executive Council decided to authorise the sale of the properties housing the principal officers of the National Assembly because the general security of the area had been altered/compromised due to the sale of the other houses in the Legislative Quarters to the public.

    “Consequent upon which the houses were offered for sale and duly purchased.

    “Senator Mark was given the first option of refusal upon which he duly accepted on April 21st 2011 and paid the agreed purchase price to the ad hoc committee on sale of Federal Government houses on April 27, 2011.”

  • Fayose, Mark, Olujimi seek action to reduce poverty

    Fayose, Mark, Olujimi seek action to reduce poverty

    To reduce the pervasive poverty in the land, there must be holistic efforts from the government and the elites, it was learnt  on Monday.

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, former Senate President David Mark and the  senator representing Ekiti South, Abiodun Olujimi, made the call at the launch of a book written by a former senator, Bode Ola (Ekiti Central), titled: Why The Poor Are Still With Us in Abuja.

    Fayose, who was represented by Ayodele Oladimeji, noted that unemployment was affecting the lives of youths.

    The governor said the nation’s elite as well as the government have key roles to play in addressing the poverty challenges.

    He decried increasing unemployment and underemployment rates in the land.

    Fayose said: “Today, the major challenge is unemployment. After unemployment, we equally have underemployment. I spoke with two people in Ekiti State on Sunday: the husband is teaching at a primary school and the wife is equally teaching in another nursery and primary school. Each of them earns N15,000 per month. You can then imagine the condition of the children this couple will rear.”

    On the book, the governor said it captures the challenges confronting the poor masses of the country and proffered solutions.

    He urged the elite to use the book for the benefit of the masses.

    Fayose said: “The book highlights the challenges of the poor masses. What are their needs? What can the elite do to assist them?”

    Mark noted that the book launch was timely because it sought to identify the major causes of poverty and how to eradicate it from the society.

    He said: “I cannot think of a more important and timely topic for Nigeria than issue of poverty and the large number of the poor in the society.”

    Olujimi stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of the people.

    The senator decried the level of poverty in the country, saying the people were becoming spiritually and socially poor.

    She noted that “a country where its citizens die because they could not afford a malaria drug of N1,000 is a poor country”.

    Olujimi called for reorientation among the people, saying: “Government needs to take charge and look after the people.”

    Senator Bode Ola said poverty was a major bane to posterity.

    Quoting the world’s statistics on poverty, the senator said this should be a source of concern to all, considering the state of the nation’s economy.

  • Fayose, Mark, Olujimi seek action to reduce poverty

    To reduce the pervasive poverty in the land, there must be holistic efforts from the government and the elites, it was learnt yesterday.

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, former Senate President David Mark and the denator representing Ekiti South, Abiodun Olujimi, made the call at the launch of a book written by the senator representing Ekiti Central, Bode Ola, titled: Why The Poor Are Still With Us in Abuja.

    Fayose, who was represented by Ayodele Oladimeji, noted that unemployment was affecting the lives of youths.

    The governor said the nation’s elite as well as the government have key roles to play in addressing the poverty challenges.

    He decried increasing unemployment and underemployment rates in the land.

    Fayose said: “Today, the major challenge is unemployment. After unemployment, we equally have underemployment. I spoke with two people in Ekiti State on Sunday: the husband is teaching at a primary school and the wife is equally teaching in another nursery and primary school. Each of them earns N15,000 per month. You can then imagine the condition of the children this couple will rear.”

    On the book, the governor said it captures the challenges confronting the poor masses of the country and proffered solutions.

    He urged the elite to use the book for the benefit of the masses.

    Fayose said: “The book highlights the challenges of the poor masses. What are their needs? What can the elite do to assist them?”

    Mark noted that the book launch was timely because it sought to identify the major causes of poverty and how to eradicate it from the society.

    He said: “I cannot think of a more important and timely topic for Nigeria than issue of poverty and the large number of the poor in the society.”

    Olujimi stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of the people.

    The senator decried the level of poverty in the country, saying the people were becoming spiritually and socially poor.

    She noted that “a country where its citizens die because they could not afford a malaria drug of N1,000 is a poor country”.

    Olujimi called for reorientation among the people, saying: “Government needs to take charge and look after the people.”

    Senator Bode Ola said poverty was a major bane to posterity.

    Quoting the world’s statistics on poverty, the senator said this should be a source of concern to all, considering the state of the nation’s economy.

    He also blamed funds mismanagement and overdependence on oil for the menace.

    On the book, Ola said it was his passion and compassion for the poor that prompted his writing.

    He said: “This book was borne out of my passion and compassion for the poor. It is said that poverty is a threat to prosperity. The rich cannot sleep because the poor are awake. With the present state of things in Nigeria, it is a concern to everyone.

    “The world’s statistics on poverty is a source of concern; as a politician, it is a concern. The book tries to answer three questions. These include: what is poverty? Why poverty is still with us. This involves mismanagement of resources and overdependence on crude oil. It is because of oil we neglected other areas.”

    The senator suggested the establishment of a University of Entrepreneurship Education where youths can learn the art of wealth creation through self-generated ideas as well as self-dependence.

    Prof. Gbenga Ibileye of Kogi State University, who reviewed the 160-page book, said it is filled with theoretical insights and actionable recommendations.

    The expert noted that if followed, the book would show genuine process of curing Nigeria of the toga of chronic poverty and usher the nation into the realm of prosperity.

    According to him, this will eventually eradicate or sufficiently alleviate poverty in the land.

    Ibileye added that the book, which is divided into eight chapters, captures poverty, the causes and the solutions.

     

  • Mark, Buratai mourn as Malu’s family thanks Buhari, others

    Mark, Buratai mourn as Malu’s family thanks Buhari, others

    Former Senate President David Mark has lamented the demise of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Victor Malu.

    Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, described Malu as a gallant soldier.

    The statement reads: “I have lost a reliable brother, dependable friend, colleague and comrade. Malu was a soldiers’ soldier. He was frank and truly called a spade its rightful name, no matter whose Ox was gored.

    “Gen. Malu was a brilliant and courageous officer. He stood to be counted when it mattered, and his contributions to the improvement of the Armed Forces is worthy of note. We shall miss this great man, officer and gentleman.”

    Mark prayed God to grant the deceased rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has expressed shock at Gen. Malu’s death.

    A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, commiserated with the family and the country for the loss.

    The statement reads: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has received with shock, the news of the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Victor Malu (rtd), who was the COAS between May 1999 and April 2001.

    “During his service, he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy, peace and security in the country.

    “The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Army, commiserates with the family on this loss. He prays God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    The family of the deceased has formally announced his death, saying he died in Egypt, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

    A statement by his son, Lt.-Col. Tarumun Malu, said his father died after a “protracted illness”.

    He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mark for their messges.

    The statement reads: “We appreciate the outpour of condolences coming from different parts of the country. We most especially thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his heartfelt message to the family…”

    The younger Malu added that burial arrangements will be announced later.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Mark, Buratai mourn as Malu’s family thanks Buhari, others

    Former Senate President David Mark has lamented the demise of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Victor Malu.

    Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, described Malu as a gallant soldier.

    The statement reads: “I have lost a reliable brother, dependable friend, colleague and comrade. Malu was a soldiers’ soldier. He was frank and truly called a spade its rightful name, no matter whose Ox was gored.

    “Gen. Malu was a brilliant and courageous officer. He stood to be counted when it mattered, and his contributions to the improvement of the Armed Forces is worthy of note. We shall miss this great man, officer and gentleman.”

    Mark prayed God to grant the deceased rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has expressed shock at Gen. Malu’s death.

    A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, commiserated with the family and the country for the loss.

    The statement reads: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has received with shock, the news of the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Victor Malu (rtd), who was the COAS between May 1999 and April 2001.

    “During his service, he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy, peace and security in the country.

    “The COAS, on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Army, commiserates with the family on this loss. He prays God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    The family of the deceased has formally announced his death, saying he died in Egypt, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

    A statement by his son, Lt.-Col. Tarumun Malu, said his father died after a “protracted illness”.

    He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mark for their messges.

    The statement reads: “We appreciate the outpour of condolences coming from different parts of the country. We most especially thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his heartfelt message to the family…”

    The younger Malu added that burial arrangements will be announced later.

  • Ekweremadu, Mark, Ashafa, Kashamu seek rededication to nation-building

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, former Senate President David Mark, Senators ‘Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East),  Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo Central) and Buruji Kashamu (Ogun East) have felicitated with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

    They stressed the need to rededicate to nation-building,  self-sacrifice, forgiveness and other higher virtues that promote national unity and growth.

    Ekweremadu enjoined Nigerians to eschew all forms of recrimination and imbibe self-sacrifice, forgiveness and other higher virtues that promote national unity and development.

    He said: “I congratulate our Muslim brethren on this occasion of Eid el-Kabir. This season of conviviality presents another opportunity to reflect on our national challenges and the way forward.

    “No nation realises its full potentials without equity, justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence. I enjoin the Muslim Ummah and indeed all of us to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness and love that the season represents in order to move the nation forward.”

    Mark canvassed for justice, righteousness and peaceful coexistence between and among Nigerians.

    The senator, in a goodwill message, said only a harmonious and peaceful coexistence could guarantee meaningful growth.

    Concerned about recent outburst from different regions agitating for self-independence within the existing geopolitical entity, Mark cautioned against any action or utterances capable of threatening the indivisibility of Nigeria.

    Ashafa urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for unity.

    He said in his message that Nigerians have more to gain in a united and indivisible country than a nation where people live in suspicion and hatred for one another.

    He said: “We should endeavour to pray for continued unity and togetherness. Nigeria can only attain the desired greatness in an atmosphere of peace and love.

    “Everything must be done to guard against the disintegration of the country. We must refuse to dance to drum beats of those promoting enmity amongst us. There is a lot to gain in living together.”

    Alasoadura congratulated the faithful on the religious festival.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) urged Muslims to support Akeredolu’s administration to facilitate meaningful growth.

    He said with the calibre of the new cabinet members appointed by the governor, the people should be rest assured of positive transformation in the state.

    Kashamu enjoined Nigerians to embrace peace and love.

    The lawmaker urged them to seize the opportunity of the feast to demonstrate the essence of unity among the various ethnic groups in the country.

    “Lack of unity among various ethnic groups in the country and self-centredness are the major ingredients that compromise peaceful co-existence and national growth.”