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Mark Blames Corruption On Senators
Senate President David Mark says that the inefficiency and corruption in the system could have been reasonably abated if senators carried out their oversight duties exhaustively and effectively.
Mark made the assertion in Abuja yesterday in a speech delivered to the Senate thanking senators for their support while he was away for medical treatment in Israel and the Senate’s resumption from a two- week recess.
He said the inefficiencies which various investigations had revealed could have been avoided if Senators had taken their oversight duties seriously.
“Let me use this opportunity to state unequivocally that we must improve on our oversight functions.
“The inefficiency and corruption in the system, which the various investigation committees have uncovered, could have been reasonably abated if we had carried out our oversight functions exhaustively and effectively. ’’
According to him, in the course of our oversight functions, some of these incidences could have been either stopped or reduced to the barest minimum.
The Senate President directed all standing committees of the Senate to ensure that they submitted their reports for the first two quarters of the year before the Senate proceeded on its summer recess.
“In preparing our committees reports, we should look at the capital appropriation released for the first two quarters of the year and weigh it against the implementation of the capital projects. ’’
On the issue of security, Mark challenged the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the war declared on Nigerians by terrorists and called on security agencies to improve their operational capabilities.
“The current level of insecurity in the country is unacceptable and something must be done to improve on it and very quickly too.
“Clearly, the terrorists have declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians. Escalating acts of terror not only threaten our unity as a nation but challenge the very human values we all believe in.
“Government must therefore explore all avenues to discuss with them and security agencies must intensify their pre-operational responsibilities, roles and actions and improve their operational capabilities. ’’
According to him, their major focus should be on thwarting and preventing the bombings.
Stressing that those unleashing mayhem on Nigerians were their brothers and sisters, he urged Nigerians not to despair or be disillusioned, saying,” we shall overcome through our collective determination’’.
He said the issue deserved to be tackled with all seriousness and advised against any attempt to politicise it.
“This is the time for concerted action by all Nigerians; ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief notwithstanding.
“Divisive statements or finger pointing are not helpful. Attempts to apportion blame for failures at this time of the burgeoning terror threats will not lead to any practical and long lasting solution. ’’
He gave the assurance that the Senate would work tirelessly to enact laws for the peace, order and good governance of the federation and with the fear of God.
The Senate also received a request from President Goodluck Jonathan on the 2012 budget proposal for the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The proposal was forwarded to the Senate Committee on Communications for further legislative action and is expected to be returned to the Senate within two weeks.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene