Politics
Senate Exit: Saraki, Ekweremadu, Ortom Extol Mark
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, his Deputy, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, and Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday, paid glowing tribute to the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, for his meritorious service to his constituents and the country, as the latter exits from the Senate after 20 years.
In their separate goodwill messages to Mark at a thanksgiving mass at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Otukpo, Benue State, yesterday, Saraki, Ekweremadu, Ortom and others, described Mark as an icon and patriotic leader in the contemporary Nigeria.
A statement by the media assistant to David Mark, Paul Mumeh, said that the thanksgiving was to mark the former Senate president’s exit from the Senate after 20 years.
It said that specifically, Saraki noted that his predecessor has set a record as the longest serving Senator since 1999, the longest serving president of the Senate and referred to him as an officer and a gentleman.
He said: “Senator Mark was our own equivalent of the US Senators Robert C. Byrd (51 years, five months, 26 days), Daniel K. Inouye (49 years, 11 months and 15 days), Strom Thurmond (47 years, five months, eight days), Ted Kennedy (46 years, nine months, 19 days), and Patrick J. Leahy (44 years) in terms of institutional memory that he embodies”.
Saraki acknowledged that Mark remains a stabilizing force in or out of the chamber pointing out that he remains relevant even when he left the position of the primus inter pares in the Senate.
According to Saraki, “while Senator Mark’s record in the Senate remains unbeaten, it is necessary to mention that he is a bridge builder and consummate politician. My colleagues and I in the 8th Senate, appreciate his humility, brilliance and patriotism”.
In his tribute, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu underscored the leadership qualities of Mark, and added, “Your place of honour as a fine, perceptive, detribalized, patriotic, astute leader and a true democrat is unarguable and unshakable.
Besides leading the National Assembly to break the jinx of constitutional amendments and the successful electoral reforms, Ekweremadu added, “your capacity as a wise, experienced, patriotic and true statesman manifested at a very trying time in the nation’s history when you guided the National Assembly to invoke the Doctrine of Necessity to steer the country away from palpable constitutional crisis”.
In his remarks, Governor Samuel Ortom, noted: “Your quality representation and indefatigable leadership in the Senate brought stability to the system and added enormous value to democracy.
“I am proud to identify with you for your selfless services to the state and the nation as well as providing mentorship to upcoming leaders”.
Responding, an elated Mark expressed appreciation to his people for the opportunity to serve, promising to continue to work for peace and unity of Nigeria.
In his homily, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Most Rev Kenneth Odeh described Mark as an icon of inestimable value, saying that his contributions to the development of Nigeria cannot be wished away.
Odeh urged Nigerian politicians to emulate Mark’s selfless service to the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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