Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has pleaded with Nigerians to harp on those things that bring peace and unity to the country in the New Year rather than ruminating on issues with the tendency to undermine the cohesion of the country.
Senator Mark, therefore, urged citizens to shun those mundane issues of religious and ethnic inclinations that could put asunder peace and national unity.
The former Senate helmsman in a New Year goodwill message to Nigerians signed by his
Special Adviser on Media, Paul Mumeh, noted that the nation had gone through turbulent times in the recent past, a situation he said must of a necessity be reversed for good.
Senator Mark stressed,
“The grim reality is that the harsh economy, insecurity in the land and political crises are taking a huge toll on the citizens. The deterioration is unacceptable and cannot continue.
“We must avoid those fault lines and work towards cementing the fragmented culture and tradition of brotherhood in the coming years.”
He recalled that the nation had gone through many tortuous journeys to nationhood, including but not limited to the 30 months old fratricidal civil strife, saying, “We must leave the past to the past and say never again.”
Senator Mark urged the present administration to lead the charge to bring all Nigerians on board by adopting the policy of assimilation and inclusiveness in the affairs of the country.
He expressed the belief that Nigerian citizens are good followers, hence governments must put the cards on the table and show the way.