By Danlami Nmodu
Senate President David Mark has disowned campaign groups championing his alleged 2015 presidential ambition.A statement by Kola Ologbondiyan ,special adviser media and publicity to the president of the senate this evening described the campaigns as “the actions of some mischief makers who are bent on causing disaffection between President Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the Senate , Senator David Mark.”
Continuing the statement said “The trade mark of this group is to consistently announce a presidential ambition or interest on behalf of the President of the Senate.”
The Senate President then proceeded the describe the modus operadi of those purportedly campaigning for him :“For this set of mischief makers , the premises of the National Assembly is either flooded with ” Mark for President” forms or distinguished senators are forming groups to canvass the said presidential interest. Nothing can be farther from the truth.” A clear thus denying the well –known presidential ambition of the senate president.
But Mark’s move also raises questions.Is President Jonathan intimidating interested aspirants into submission? Evidently, Marks statement today reads like that of a man bowing and trembling before an incumbent President, who has so far failed to officially confirm his interest in the race.Given what is generally known within political circles about Mark’s ambition, why are his campaigners suddenly being tagged as “mischief makers”? Is Mark under pressure to renounce his well-known, but yet to be publicly declared ambition?
Aside from Mark, other members of the ruling PDP known to have presidential ambition include Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger),Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Murtala Nyako(Adamawa) , Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom).Also former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is believed to be interested in running.Some sources say ex Governor Orji Kalu(Abia) who may soon be readmitted into the PDP may also join the race.
Is Mark’s outburst an indication of the pressure other known aspirants will face? Only time will tell.
Read the full text of the Senate President’s Statement below:
2015: Mark cautions mischief makers.
Our attention has been drawn to the actions of some mischief makers who are bent on causing disaffection between President Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the Senate , Senator David Mark.
The trade mark of this group is to consistently announce a presidential ambition or interest on behalf of the President of the Senate.
For this set of mischief makers , the premises of the National Assembly is either flooded with ” Mark for President” forms or distinguished senators are forming groups to canvass the said presidential interest. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
It is imperative to state and emphatically too, that Senator Mark and President Jonathan are on the same page in the onerous task of providing democratic dividends for Nigerians.
It is therefore irresponsible, mischievous and misplaced for any set of Nigerians to embark on over heating the polity at this time of our national history.
The Senate President is faced with providing qualitative legislative leadership for our nation and urged mischief makers not to distract him.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Special Adviser Media and publicity to the President of the Senate.