President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has for the umpteenth time cautioned the political class against unguareded and provocative utterances capable of instigating violence or creating disaffection.
Senator Mark warned those fanning the embers of war on account of their political ambitions not to unwittingly do anything that would undermine national unity and cohesion.
Addressing the 2015 Pilgrims to the state of Israel otherwise called the Holy Land at the St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, APO, in Abuja today, he stressed :”We must at all times be guided by national interest and unity. Nigeria must not break up.”.
Senator Mark said the country is currently passing through tough times considering the insecurity, kidnapping and economic challenges and urged all citizens to show dedication and patriotism to salvage the situation.
He in like manner urged both Christians and Muslims to more than ever before put Nigeria and Nigerians in prayers for a peaceful and successful conducts of the 2015 polls.
Senator Mark stressed that pilgrimage is a spiritual and holy activity just as he reminded the Pilgrims to project and promote the image of the country in the Holy Land, “we must put Nigeria first in all we do. Whatever you do, you must carry the image of Nigeria. We should be mindful and indeed be guided by what keeps Nigeria as one.
“As we embark on this spiritual journey, pray against all forms of terrorism, kidnapping especially to end the reign of Boko Haram in our land.”
The Senate President advised the pilgrims to go as a team and return as a team, “pilgrimage is a spiritual and holy activity, not an opportunity for jamboree or embarking on commercial ventures”.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain resolute in the face of recent challenges saying, “Nigeria belongs to God and His will deliver us”.
In the homily, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji commended the President of the Senate for the yearly gesture of sponsoring Christians on holy pilgrimage to the Holy Land adding that his (David Mark’s) stride to draw Nigerians to God is exemplary.
He charged the Pilgrims to inculcate the good attributes of Christianity which promotes peace , love and care especially for the less privileged in the society .
