Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has urged Nigerians to leverage on the 2023 general elections to elect credible leaders that will pull the country out of the woods.
Senator Mark in a goodwill message to Nigerians commemorating the 62 years of independence noted the myriads of socio-economic and political challenges facing the nation but expressed optimism that “the problems are surmountable if we work together“.
For him, “the 2023 elections presents another opportunity to take stock of the journey so far with a view to righting the wrongs of the past through the ballot boxes,” Mark said in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh.
He urged all Nigerians of voting age to participate in the electoral process believing that with the improved electioneering arrangement, votes will count and results reflect the wishes of the people.
The former Senate helmsman however cautioned desperate political office seekers to avoid resort to our emotional fault-lines like religious or ethnic considerations in order to gain advantage over opponents, pointing out that such politicians are liabilities who have nothing to offer.
“We should avoid such mundane issues that tend to be an impediment to our peace and unity. At 62, Nigeria cannot be said to be a toddler anymore. We must therefore rise above primordial sentiments and live up to our billings as the giant of Africa”, Senator Mark stressed.
He recalled the nation’s chequered socio- economic and political challenges, including the Nigeria/ Biafra fratricidal war fought with blood and bitterness as well as occasional ethno-religious conflicts and submitted that it’s time to heal the wounds, forgive each other and move forward.
Senator Mark lamented that the challenges facing the nation have been further aggravated by the unabating activities of bandits and terrorists.
He therefore canvassed that the security situation be given priority attention to halt the menace of criminals.
He wished Nigerians a happy and peaceful independence anniversary.