Abuja- The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, on Wednesday urged Nigerians not to despair over the plethora challenges confronting the country.
Mark said: “ I am very sure we shall overcome them all because there will be light at the end of the tunnel.’’
The advice is contained in his goodwill message to Nigerians for the New Year and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh.
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Mark said: “There is no doubt that the situation, especially insecurity is challenging. We cannot pretend that all is well with us. But we are a nation of good faith in one God.
“When it seems impossible, God will make it possible.
“This trying time is only but a phase in our match to greatness. With cooperation, dedication, honesty and patriotism on the part of all of us, we shall surely triumph,’’ he said.
He said “ all that is required is for all citizens, the governments to see our challenges as a collective problem facing all of us and not only to a part’’.
The senate president further said that there was no problem too difficult for the nation to surmount, adding that “ but we must come together in one accord to confront the menace’’.
He, however, said that the National Assembly would give accelerated passage to the 2015 Appropriation Bill without compromising due process and critical assessment of the proposal.
“That way, we would facilitate the implementation of the budget so that the dividends of democracy could be promptly delivered to the Nigerian people,’’ Mark said.
On the forthcoming general elections, Mark said politicians must play according to the rules, adding that “all civilised and decent societies are governed by laws and not a resort to might is right’’.
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Mark said the National Assembly had fine-tuned the Electoral Act in tandem with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to make the country’s electoral process smooth and credible.
He, therefore, cautioned those fanning the embers of war ahead of the polls to desist, adding that the interest of an individual or groups should not over ride national interest.
Mark said, “Nigeria is greater than any group or individual interest.’’
“We must also remember that we must have a peaceful country before we can have the platform to pursue our individual or group ambitions,’’ he said.
Mark urged those perpetrating violence to perish the idea and embrace dialogue.
According to him, “whatever cannot be resolved on a round table cannot be settled through the barrel of the gun’’.
He therefore urged Nigerians, irrespective of different political leanings, to cooperate with the current administration to end the reign of insurgency and terrorism.
“Colonial masters, on leaving our shores, bequeathed to us a nation where every citizen is free and without impediments to pursue his or her legitimate ambition.’’
“Whatever makes for the peace, unity, progress, security and welfare of all citizens will continue to be the mission and purpose of government in 2015 and beyond.’’ (NAN)
