By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
Ahead of the 2015 general elections, Senate President, David Mark has cautioned politicians to desist from making inflammatory and treasonable comments capable of jeopardizing smooth transition next year.
Mark, who spoke at a special church service to mark the 54th Independent anniversary at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja yesterday, warned that such statements would over-heat the polity and create unnecessary tension in the country.
He reminded politicians that individual ambitions are subordinate to national interest, adding “Nigeria must exist as a nation first before we could pursue our individual ambitions.”
He pleaded with those fanning the embers of war and disunity to have a rethink saying Nigerians have more to gain by being united than divided.
He reiterated that politics is a call for service and not a platform to cause disaffection or disharmony among citizens, saying, “Election is not a do or die affair. We should know that only one seat exist at a time.”
The Senate President warned mischief makers not to test the will of government because, “government has all it takes to deal with trouble makers. Let us give peace a chance.”
He reminded Nigerians that governance is a collective responsibility between the governed and the government, saying therefore, “it is not government versus the people; both exist in a symbiotic relationship”.
He said the nation’s problems are not beyond the capability of Nigerians themselves, “all we need is the support and goodwill of Nigerian people.”
“We are in a complex society. There are bound to be disagreements or complaints. There are also channels to address these complains or imbalances. Taking up arms against your neighbours or government is certainly not a solution. We must see ourselves as brothers and sisters”, he said.
In the sermon, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji canvassed for peace and unity among Nigerians as the only route to achieve progress.
Jooji prayed for God’s intervention to end the rage of terrorism and insurgency facing the country.
