President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has attributed his survival in the Senate to God and the supports of his colleagues in the National Assembly.
“I have been in the Senate for 14 years of our democracy and I am the longest serving President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in our contemporary history. All these can only be possible by the grace of God.
“I owe my successes to Almighty God, the support of my colleagues in the Senate, the House of Representatives and my constituents as well as the Nigerian people”, Senator Mark told a congregation at St. Mulumba Catholic Champlaincy, Apo, Abuja as he marked his 2nd year in office of the 7th Senate.
Senator Mark has been elected into the Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) representing Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.
He became the President of the Senate in 2007 and was re-elected un-opposed in 2011.
The Senate President said he has every reason to thank God for the wisdom and courage in his position as the Chairman of the National Assembly and commended Nigerians for the trust and confidence in his leadership .
Senator Mark stated: “Not that I am more brilliant than others or the best Senator in the Senate of the Federal Republic but God has been my guide. As political office holders we pass through series of temptations every day , it is only the grace of God that sees us through.
“As politicians, we need prayers, encouragement and God’s guidance to enable us satisfy the yearnings of the electorate. We are doing our best .To God be the glory for the past years. God has been faithful”.
He assured that democracy in Nigeria has come to stay urging political office holders at all levels to intensify the desire to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.
Senator Mark however reiterated his call on Nigerians to always participate in governance because democracy is not a monologue but participatory .
He said: “there is still room for us to move forward. I believe that with prayers and goodwill, our democracy will be the pride of all Africans and by extension the whole world”.
In the sermon, the Chaplain, St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji commended the 7th Senate for the discipline they have exhibited so far in legislating for good governance, peace, security and welfare of the citizenry.
Jooji admonished that God’s direction is the only panacea to good governance, and prayed God to continue to guide leaders across the country in order to bring peace and progress to the country.