President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has for the umpteenth time called for national reconciliation, tolerance and forgiveness between and among Nigerians as a panacea to the intractable security threat and occasional ethno- religious conflicts in the country.
Senator Mark in a goodwill message to Christians on the commemoration of this year’s Easter called for sober reflection about the situation in the country with a view to finding a common ground for peace and mutual co- existence among our people.
“This season calls for deep sober reflection. We should reflect and emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ which symbolizes sacrifice,tolerance, peace, love and forgiveness,” he stressed.
He specifically charged religious leaders across the divide to champion the course of peace, unity and love for one another, saying that “we have more to benefit from each other if we live in peace and harmony than otherwise”.
In doing so, he counseled them to be honest and avoid unguarded utterances or actions capable of inflaming emotions or suggesting a situation of being insensitive to one another.
The Senate and indeed, the National Assembly, Senator Mark assured will continue to ensure peace and unity through effective representation and appropriate legislation to promote order and good governance in the country.
“we will continue to be guided by justices, fairness, rule of law and patriotism in the discharge of our duties so that we can guarantee an egalitarian society where every one is free to go about his or her legitimate business or practices his or her religion without fear of molestation or intimidation”, he maintained.
Senator Mark was optimistic that with the cooperation and mutual respect of all , Nigeria would come out of the woods and truly manifest as the giant of Africa.
….To build stadium in Otukpo
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has promised to build a mini stadium in his country home Otukpo in Benue state as part of measures to develop sports and possibly curb anti-social behaviors among the youths .
The project according to Mark is expected to be completed before the end of 2013.
Only last year, Mark completed an 18- hole international green golf course in Otukpo now open for golfers.
Mark said at the charity secondary school soccer competition and a novelty match to commemorate his 64th birthday in otukpo yesterday that his foundation “would have by this time next year completed the construction of a mini stadium where younger talents would have a conducive environment to develop their skills in football and other sports.”
He stressed that the present administration will not relent at creating a conducive environment for talent hunts as well as developing sports in the country, saying, “I am once again encouraged by the display of these younger ones today, this has further boosted my spirit.
“If we collectively encourage sports in our country, we would be able to curtail and resolve crisis in our land. Sports strengthens unity between and among the ethno- religious divide. It brings joy and happiness wherever it is encouraged”.
In the tournament which paraded both male and female secondary school footballers in the Benue South senatorial district , Jesus College of Otukpo defeated St. Luiz College with a lone goal in the male category . They got a trophy and a sum of N250,000 while Adohi College detested Ewulo College by 2-0 in the female category.
Also yesterday, Senator Mark tee-off the Pro-am charity golf tournament to mark his birthday in Otukpo. The tournament ends on Sunday.
