Yemi Adebowale
Thousands of supporters of immediate past Senate President, Senator David Mark drawn from his Benue South senatorial constituency on Thursday came out in their numbers to show their solidarity to the senator who was visiting his Otukpo hometown for the first time since the Court of Appeal annulled his election to the 8th Senate.
Otukpo grinded to a standstill as a mammoth crowd besieged Senator Mark’s convoy as he arrived his country home in what could be described as a triumphant entry.
Upon his arrival, Senator Mark stopped at the palace of the Och’Idoma to pay his respects to the traditional ruler accompanied by his family members, supporters, party leaders and well-wishers across Idoma land.
At the palace, Senator Mark briefed the Och’Idoma on the developments relating to the annulment of his election. He noted that he had taken the development in good faith but cautioned against external influences from people who have no stake in Idoma land other than to cause division and disaffection among the people of Benue South.
In his response,he Och Idoma Dr. Ikoyi Elias Obekpa, assured that no amount of litigation or conspiracy can overturn the resolve of the people.He stated that Senator Mark has done the Idoma nation proud and I believe he would do more. “When the time comes, the people of Idoma know who to vote for”, he said.
The Monarch called for calm and peaceful coexistence saying that when the time comes the Idoma people know who they would vote for and who would adequately represents them.
He said the people cannot afford to toil with their future and destiny , saying we know our best hand. We know what we want. Only the Idoma people would decide not external influence or interference.
The state chairman of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) DR. Emmanuel Agbo and former minister of Interior Abba Moro urged the Idoma people not to cave in to external influence against the interest of Idoma nation.
In a ceremony to mark his homecoming later on Thursday night, political groups and supporters of the Okpokpowulu K’Idoma converged in thousands at his Otukpo residence where he was received in a grand reception.
Meanwhile, a group by the name, All Middle Belt Youth Forum, (AMBYF) has condemned in strong terms the nullification by the Appeal Court of the election of Senator Mark, as the lawmaker representing Benue South Senatorial district, Benue State.
A statement jointly signed by its National Leader, Comrade Moses Ojeh, and National Secretary, Comrade Andzayi Jabez Jonathan, observed that the judgement has no place in electoral history and Nigeria’s legal system.
They described the nullification as a war against the Middle Belt region and an affront on Benue South Senatorial district electorates who chose Mark through their votes.
They added that the judgement was a fulfilment of the statement by one of the APC leaders; “If we don’t win at polling units, we win at the courts” and called on the Benue South Senatorial district electorates to reaffirm their decision by re-electing Mark at the election re-run.
Below are some photos from the grand arrival:
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