Senator Mark was a military governor of Niger State, Minister of communications, Senator and later President of the Senate.
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark has expressed gratitude to God and Nigerians for the opportunities to serve in various capacities.
Senator Mark made this known on Monday at a church service to commemorate his 76th birthday at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy in Abuja stressing that God’s favour and mercy as well as the support of all Nigerians are immeasurable.
Senator Mark was a military governor of Niger State, Minister of communications, Senator and later President of the Senate. To date, he holds the noteworthy record of being the longest-serving President of the Senate for two terms of eight uninterrupted years.
Expressing fulfilment of an illustrious political career In all the assignments and responsibilities he has undertaken, Mark affirmed that it was God and not his might that made it possible. The former senate helmsman noted that in the journey of life, there are bound to be challenges but with God nothing is impossible.
He used the occasion of his birthday celebration to solicit peace among Nigerians adding that peace is pivotal to any growth.
In his remark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged Mark not to rest on his oars to provide leadership to the nation anytime he is needed.
Ably represented by former Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) boss Chief Jide Adeniji, Atiku stated that Mark remains a shining example of what leadership should be for the good of all.
Also speaking, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate Peter Obi praised Mark for remaining consistent and steadfast in his service to the nation over the years. He recalled that Mark’s leadership at the Senate was characterized by brotherhood, unity and stability pointing out that “such is what the nation needs today to salvage the situation.”
The former governor of Anambra State implored Nigerians to pray for leaders so that God will touch their hearts to do what is right to ameliorate the plight of suffering citizens.
On his part, former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha told Mark to continue to mentor the younger generation on leadership to sustain his legacies.
In her remark, Rep Blessing Onuh (APC, Benue) said she is proud to be the daughter of David Mark and thanked her father for allowing her to reap the goodwill of his services to the nation.
Senators Tunde Ogheha and Suleiman Adokwe reiterated that Mark is a man of all seasons whose contributions to national development cannot be undermined. They wished him good health, peace, unity and wisdom in the years ahead.
In his homily, Rev. Father Tyolumun King Ukpaa SJ described Mark as a man who has devoted his life to the service of humanity.
King Ukpaa however urged him to continue his services to man and country, saying “Your experiences gathered over the years should be deployed for the good of humanity.”
The birthday celebration had in attendance eminent politicians including National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Theophilus Dakas; Benue State Chairman of the PDP, John Ngbede; Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arch. Sonny Echono; Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO), Prof Innocent Ujah; and Chief David Olofu among others.
