FORMER President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, on Monday urged political leaders in the country to set aside their personal interest and resolve to work for the nation’s growth.

He also cautioned Nigerians against overheating the polity by their actions and utterances.

Mark, in his Sallah message to Muslim faithful in Abuja, urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to the directive of Allah.

The senator said that overheating the polity would be detrimental to the sustenance of democracy, peace and unity of the nation.

He said that the current political upheavals ahead 2019 general elections were avoidable, if all interested parties would play the game according to the rules.

Mark, who took stock of the chequered socio-economic and political challenges facing the nation, canvassed for a common approach by all stakeholders in order to come out of the woods.

According to him, no development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity and unwholesome vices.

“I still believe that Nigerians can live in peace and carry out their legitimate businesses in any part of the country without fear of intimidation or molestation.

“At this stage in the life of our country, there is the need for leaders to be passionate about the development of the country,”he said.

The lawmaker called for peaceful co-existence among various religions, saying, “we must shun religious and ethnic differences and co-exist harmoniously because there is more to gain in staying together as a people”.

He urged the Federal Government to brace up to the challenges of insecurity, while restoring the confidence of Nigerians by protecting lives and property.

Mark expressed concern that terrorism and insurgency had done so much damage to the psyche of Nigerians and urged government to take necessary actions that would help in overcoming the challenges.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would be greater if the Executive, Judiciary and Legislative arms of government collaborate to work for the good of all Nigerians.

The lawmaker implored Muslim faithful to use the period of Sallah celebration to pray for the nation and her leaders, while wishing them a blissful celebration. (NAN)

– Aug. 20, 2018 @ 18:49 GMT |