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Tag: Paul Mumeh

  • Waku, a notable parliamentarian – Mark

    Former Senate President David Mark on Monday lamented the demise of Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku.

    Waku represented Benue North West in the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 1999 and 2003.

    Reacting to the demise of Senator Waku in Abuja today, Senator Mark recalled the contributions of Waku to socio-economic and political development of Benue State saying “Waku was a foremost stakeholder in Benue Politics”.

     Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, noted that Waku was “a patriotic Nigeria who called a spade its rightful name no matter whose ox was gored.

    “He stood for the truth at all times. He never pretended. He was brutally frank”.

    Read Also: Senator Waku’s challenge

    He recalled the exploits of Waku in the Senate during his stint in the Upper Legislative chamber saying that the late lawmaker never compromised on welfare and well- being of the oppressed.

    The former Senate President noted that Waku was a fearless parliamentarian who was a voice for the voiceless in the society.

    According to Mark: “His death at this time is devastating.  His wealth of experience would have been handy in resolving the many knotty political problems confronting the nation at the moment.

    “I have lost a dependable brother and friend. Benue state and indeed Nigeria have lost an unrepentant patriot and democrat.  We shall miss Waku for his steadfastness, humour and pragmatism”.

  • Benue killings evil, reprehensible – Mark

    Former President of the Senate, David Mark has condemned the latest killings in Gwer East local government area of Benue State where two Catholic priests and about 13 parishioners were on Monday murdered in cold blood.

    Mark, who represents the Benue South senatorial district, charged security agencies to rise to the task of protecting lives and property in Benue and other parts of the country.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, the senator said the unabating killings of citizens by herdsmen called to question the manner of security operation in Benue State.

    Describing the killings of defenceless and innocent worshipers as callous, wicked and evil, Mark said it has become more expedient for security operatives to protect the citizenry to avoid a resort to self-help.

    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”.

    He tasked the security operatives to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and many others across the country.

    The lawmaker said the carnage has continued because no serious effort has been made to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to book.

    Senator Mark canvassed an urgent need on the part of the government and security operatives to restore confidence in the people by fishing out the murderers.

    He enjoined clerics and worshipers not to be deterred by the callous and demonic proclivities of the killers and their sponsors, but to remain strong in their faith with the Almighty God for victory.

    Mark prayed the Almighty God give the bereaved families and the people of Benue State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss even as he enjoined them to be security conscious.

     

  • Mark urges christian intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria

    Mark urges christian intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria

    The immediate past President of the Senate, David Mark, has urged Nigerian intending pilgrims to the Jerusalem to pray for the nation, to enable it to surmount socio- economic and political challenges.

    A statement by his Media Assistant, Mr Paul Mumeh, said Mark made the call while addressing intending pilgrims of St. Mulumba Catholic chaplaincy in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said Nigeria and the world at large required prayer to overcome the threat to peace and insecurity ravaging mankind.

    He said: “Nations are facing challenges of insecurity, terrorism and insurgency are ravaging human race,we should all resort to prayer for God to intervene.

    “That is my charge to you as you depart to the Holy Land today.’’

    He also urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the Holy land, reminding them that the image of Nigeria was uppermost at the moment.

    The lawmaker also cautioned the intending pilgrims against the temptation to abscond from the Holy Land, saying “it is not a bed of roses over there.’’

    Mumeh said that the Chaplain of St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Father Innocent Jooji, urged the pilgrims to be law abiding, in his contribution.

    He said that “the mission is purely a holy engagement and not a jamboree nor a shopping spree.”

    Jooji also urged intending pilgrims to avoid any act likely to tarnish the image of the country.

  • Recession: Mark seeks synergy

    Recession: Mark seeks synergy

    Former Senate President, Senator David Mark has called for a synergy between government at all levels and corporate organisations to work out practical solutions that could empower citizens and address the challenges of the economic recession.
    This is contained in a statement issued by the Media Assistant to Senator Mark, Paul Mumeh on Wednesday in which the Senator noted     that the current economic challenges required the cooperation of all stakeholders in order to overcome all its adverse effects.
    He made this known at the presentation of skill and empowerment tools to graduates of his Wife’s (Mrs. Helen Mark) Women Skills Development Support Initiative (WSDSI) programme in Otukpo, Benue state.
    The former Senate President noted that the tools would add value to the lives of the beneficiaries and make the society a better place.
    Speaking through a member of Benue State House of Assembly Hon. Egli Johnson Ahubi, Mark said he was deeply touched by the initiative of his wife to compliment his efforts at bringing dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of his constituents.
    Mark promised to continue to give a quality representation that would facilitate the delivery of the dividend of democracy to his constituents, as about 100 women including 57 who completed training in Computer, hairdressing, fashion design and garri processing, were given equipment worth millions of Naira to start their trades.
    According to the statement, only last week, Senator Mark awarded scholarships worth N50million to 2,196 students of tertiary institutions in Benue state under his David Mark Scholarships Foundation ( DMSF) for 2015/2016 academic session.
    “Since its inception in 2005, the DMSF has awarded over N500million scholarships to over 20,000 students.
    It noted that distributing the items to beneficiaries from Obi, Oju, Okpokwu, Ado, Ohimini, Agatu, Apa, Ogbadibo and OtuKpo local government areas making the  Benue South Senatorial district , Mrs . Helen Mark said she was fulfilled that the graduates successfully completed their training program and collected their equipment to start businesses.
    “Mrs. Mark assured that WSDSI will continue to support girls and women in the area to make life much more meaningful,” the statement said.
    The traditional ruler of Otukpo HRH, Och’ Otukpo Odu John Eimonye expressed appreciation on behalf of his subjects and urged the initiator to sustain the  programme  so that more people would benefit to reduce poverty in the land.
  • Mark urges NBA to help protect democracy

    Mark urges NBA to help protect democracy

    Senate President David Mark yesterday congratulated the newly elected national executive of the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA).

    Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, however,  challenged the NBA to rise up to the responsibility of protecting and defending the nation’s democracy.

    He hailed the election, which led to the emergence of the Austine Alegeh-led executive.

    The Senate president urged the  NBA executive to sustain and improve the sanctity of professional excellence, the rule of law and human rights, which the legal profession is known for.

    Mark said: “History has placed the leadership of NBA on you at this moment. It is incumbent on you  to justify the confidence repose in you. You will do this by upholding the integrity, professional excellence and being a team player.

    “Besides, the ordinary Nigerian believes that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man. You should do more to ensure that Nigerians have trust and confidence in the Judiciary at all times.”

    He reminded the NBA of the need to continue to stand and defend the defenceless, protect the weak and the vulnerable in the society.

    Mark urged the NBA to make the protection and defence of democracy its cardinal objective, adding that by its calling, it is strategically placed to ensure that the citizens enjoy their fundamental human rights unhindered under a democratic rule.

    The Senate president, however, assured that the National Assembly would collaborate with the NBA in legislating for good governance  as well as the welfare and security of the citizenry.

  • Mark seeks collective action against terrorism

    Mark seeks collective action against terrorism

    THE Senate President, David Mark, yesterday congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria as they join the rest of the world to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Ramadan fast.

    Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, lauded Muslims for the successful completion of the month’s fasting and prayers.

    He said the nation desires prayers at these trying times.

    He lamented the unabating security challenges the country is facing at the moment and called for collective action of all citizens against terrorists to end the menace.

    Mark said: “The prevailing situation does not call for a blame game but a collective action of all citizens against the terrorists.

    “We should have confidence in our security operatives and encourage them to do more.

    “The unfolding scenario clearly indicates that the terrorists have declared an open war on everybody and there seems to be no safe heaven any more.

    “This is a challenge we must unite to tackle.

    “One way out of this quagmire is to have a common approach against terrorists irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

    He added: “What is paramount now is our collective survival as a people and nation. This is our fatherland.

    “We have a collective responsibility to protect our common destiny.”

    He also decried a situation where the over 200 Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram sect more than 100 days ago are still held in captivity by their captors.

    Mark said: “I trust that all the strategies and contacts being done by the federal government, coupled with international cooperation would yield the required dividends and free our girls alive soon.”

    He prayed for the good health and security of the girls.

     

  • National Assembly won’t compromise Nigeria’s interest, says Mark

    National Assembly won’t compromise Nigeria’s interest, says Mark

    Senate President David Mark yesterday said the National Assembly will defend issues that engender peace and unity in Nigeria.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Senate President’s Chief Press Secretary Paul Mumeh said Mark spoke at the Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman Initiative Empowerment programme in Okene, Kogi State.

    Mark said the Legislature had no conflicting roles with the Executive.

    The Senate President said dividends of democracy would be faster delivered if the Legislature and the Executive worked together for the benefit of the citizenry.

    He stressed the need to avoid frictions among government functionaries so that the electorate could benefit from government programmes and policies.

    Apparently referring to the recent security challenges in which scores of Nigerians were killed, Mark called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    He said: “There has to be peace for us to talk about development at any point. The government alone cannot guarantee peace; it is the cooperation of all us, irrespective of our political parties, that can bring peaceful coexistence.”

    The Senate President noted that there was need for elected public officers to work together by de-emphasising political affiliations “because political parties are mere vehicles to be elected for service to the people”.

    Kogi State Governor Idris Wada hailed Abatemi-Usman for the initiative.

    He said the senator’s efforts had complimented his administration’s programmes in alleviating the plight of the ordinary citizens.

    Wada said Abatemi-Usman had kept his electioneering campaign promises to the electorate, adding: “The action is fulfilling and reassuring.”

    Abatemi-Usman said he was committed to the welfare of the people of his district.

    The senator said the empowerment scheme included human capital development, especially for the youths.

    About 1,207 persons and groups got cars, buses, motorcycles, sewing machines, video cameras, generators, among others, at the ceremony.

     

  • Mark decries terrorism

    Mark decries terrorism

    Senate President David Mark yesterday decried crimes, which have claimed life and property.

    He said terrorists had degenerated to the level of beasts, and become insane.

    Mark, who was reacting to the latest attacks in Benue State, in which hundreds died, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, wondered how some Nigerians had become wicked and cruel.

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

    Mark reminded Nigerians of the time-tested philosophy of Africans being their brother’s keeper.

    Said he: “We are still one people created by the same God. Neither religion, nor politics, nor ethnicity should put asunder our cherished peace and unity.”

    The Senate president urged security operatives to collaborate for a result-oriented approach towards ending the killings.

    He sympathised with the government and people of Benue State for the attacks and called for a proactive approach to avoid a recurrence.

    Mark enjoined the National Emergency Management Agency (NAMA) to provide relief materials to the victims in camps.

  • Mark decries terrorism

    Mark decries terrorism

    Senate President David Mark yesterday decried crimes, which have claimed life and property.

    He said terrorists had degenerated to the level of beasts, and become insane.

    Mark, who was reacting to the latest attacks in Benue State, in which hundreds died, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, wondered how some Nigerians had become wicked and cruel.

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

    Mark reminded Nigerians of the time-tested philosophy of Africans being their brother’s keeper.

    Said he: “We are still one people created by the same God. Neither religion, nor politics, nor ethnicity should put asunder our cherished peace and unity.”

    The Senate president urged security operatives to collaborate for a result-oriented approach towards ending the killings.

    He sympathised with the government and people of Benue State for the attacks and called for a proactive approach to avoid a recurrence.

    Mark enjoined the National Emergency Management Agency (NAMA) to provide relief materials to the victims in camps.

  • Nigeria urges Mali, Cameroun, Niger to help crush Boko Haram

    Nigeria yesterday asked neighbouring countries, such as Mali, Cameroun and Niger to collaborate with it in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents.

    A statement by Senate President David Mark’s Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said he (Mark) canvassed for this position at the ongoing 130th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Mark, according to the statement, noted that terrorism had grown beyond the confines of a nation, which demanded the collaboration of all nations to combat it.

    He said peace and democracy would promote security.

    The Senate President said emphasis should be on democracy and global peace to facilitate development.

    He was of the view that if all nations cooperated in the fight against insurgency, the perpetrators would have no hiding place.

    The statement quoted the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, as saying that insurgency was threatening and undermining peace.

    He said: “All hands must be on deck to end the menace.”

    Ihedioha urged neighbouring countries to support Nigeria to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

    He said: “Since the civil war ended, never have we had our stability distracted as we have now. We urge countries like Mali, Cameroun, Niger and others to join forces to find a solution to the problem.”

    Ihedioha said “the insurgents ravaging Nigeria are not our citizens, hence the cooperation of other countries has become necessary.”