Immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has pledged to continue to serve God and devote the rest of his life for the less privileged in the society.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving Church service to mark his 68th birthday in his Otukpo, Benue State country home today, Senator Mark said this year’s birthday was devoid of the usual fan fare to identify with his constituents massacred in Agatu.
He bemoaned the situation in Agatu on account of the clash between the people and Fulani herdsmen that have claimed thousands of lives and properties.
According to Mark: “I am not celebrating on account of the situation we find ourselves today. My heart bleeds when I see my people massacred in Agatu. I am saddened that suddenly our people became refugees in their homes.
“I pray that peace returns as soon as possible so that the survivors and all the displaced people scattered in various internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps return to their ancestral homes to resume their normal lives.
“I urge the state and federal government to do everything possible to resettle the beleaguered Agatu people.
“We must do all we can to live in peace in Nigeria. I earnestly crave for a crime free society where all citizens are free to pursue their legitimate ambitions any where without molestation”.
He said it is only in a peaceful environment that meaningful development can take place.
Senator Mark reflected on his sometimes tortuous political journey in life and submitted, “I have forgiven all those who offended me . I also request that all those I may have offended forgive me too.”
He added: “Even those who hate me with passion, may God touch their hearts to allow me exist. For me and my family, we will continue to serve and thank God.”
In their homilies, the presiding priests, Rev Father Sylvester Onmoke and Rev Father Kenneth Odeh, urged Senator Mark to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ and forgive all those who worked against him or believed to have wronged him in the course of political journey.
__________
Follow us on Twitter at @thesignalng
Copyright 2015 SIGNAL. Permission to use portions of this article is granted provided appropriate credits are given to www.signalng.com and other relevant sources.
