Reconcile aggrieved Nigerians, Mark urges Buhari

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President David Mark [Photo Credit: VanguardNews]

The Senate President, David Mark, has implored the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to launch a reconciliation initiative to appease the feelings of some aggrieved persons across the country.

Mark made the remark during a Thanksgiving mass ahead of the end of the 7th senate at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja on Thursday.

According his a press statement, which was released by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, he said “What the nation needs now is genuine reconciliation of all sections of the country and not otherwise.

“What must be paramount is the service, welfare and security of Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.”

Mr. Mark also said the insecurity situation needed to be addressed especially in the North East zone, were Boko Haram has caused mayhem.

He also advised public office seekers against desperation for power.

“There is no need to be desperate for power, since power comes from God,” he said. “Once we acknowledge this, we will not be at each other’s throat.”

Mr. Mark gave credit to Almighty God for sustaining him throughout his eight years as President of the Senate.

“My 16 years in the Senate and eight years as the President of the Senate is the Lord’s doing, not by my own wisdom, power, intelligence or fame and influence,” he said. “It has been a unique opportunity to serve in a public office.

“If God had not permitted us, we could not have achieved the much we have done for the people and above all for God.”

He thanked his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives for their support and cooperation, which he said helped him to succeed as the President of the Senate.

Meanwhiile, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan had earlier counselled politicians to reduce the political tension in the country by avoiding the winner–takes-all syndrome.

Mr. Onaiyekan also urged Mr. Buhari’s in-coming administration to take the nation as his constituency and carry everybody along in the scheme of things.

“Mr. President- Elect should see himself as the president of Nigeria and not of All Progressives Congress,” he said