The Senate President, David Mark, has advised the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to launch a reconciliation initiative to appease the feelings of some aggrieved persons across the country.
Mark made this statement at a Thanksgiving mass ahead of the end of the 7th senate at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja on Thursday.
In a press statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, Mark said “What the nation needs now is genuine reconciliation of all sections of the country and not otherwise.
“What must be paramount is the service, welfare and security of Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.”
Mark also said the insecurity situation needed to be addressed especially in the North East zone, were Boko Haram has caused mayhem.
He also advised public office seekers against desperation for power.
“There is no need to be desperate for power, since power comes from God. Once we acknowledge this, we will not be at each other’s throat,” he said.
Senator Mark gave credit to Almighty God for sustaining him throughout his eight years as President of the Senate.
“My 16 years in the Senate and eight years as the President of the Senate is the Lord’s doing, not by my own wisdom, power, intelligence or fame and influence,” he said, adding that “It has been a unique opportunity to serve in a public office.
“If God had not permitted us, we could not have achieved the much we have done for the people and above all for God.”
He thanked his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives for their support and cooperation, which he said helped him to succeed as the President of the Senate.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, counselled politicians to reduce the political tension in the country by avoiding the winner–takes-all syndrome.
Onaiyekan also urged Buhari’s in-coming administration to take the nation as his constituency and carry everybody along in the scheme of things.
“Mr. President- Elect should see himself as the president of Nigeria and not of All Progressives Congress,” he said.
He further cautioned the in-coming administration to use its campaign mantra of change to change the attitude of Nigerians for good.
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