This was made known during this year’s Democracy Day special church service at the St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, as contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh.
Mark urged Nigerians not to feel bad about the challenges associated with democracy because it remained the best and acceptable form of government, noting that there was no other option to democracy as it offers the opportunity for participatory and representative government.
“Nigeria is still the hope of Africa. We must not despair. We must remain resolute because there will be light at the end of the tunnel” Mark said.
He lamented the increasing security challenges facing the country, and pleaded with Nigerians to cooperate with the government and security agencies to fight terrorism and insurgency.
The senate president prayed for the quick, safe and unconditional release of the over 234 kidnapped Chibok girls.
“This is most embarrassing. How can they justify the abduction of these innocent girls, whose only offence is that they chose to be educated to better their lots and ultimately contribute to the economic and socio-political development of their fatherland?
“We pray that God touches the hearts of their abductors to free them, even as we do everything humanly possible to rescue our girls. However, swapping them for criminals is not an option” Mark said.
The senate president, who also condemned the continuous strikes in the Education sector noted that a situation where over 50 per cent of the academic session was spent on strike was not good for national development and urged the Federal Government and the striking Polytechnics and Colleges of Education lecturers to return to the negotiating table so that they can resolve the embarrassing situation that has kept students at home for almost one year.
He assured Nigerians of the unwavering support of the National Assembly, adding that law-making processes would always be guided by the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.
“What makes for the welfare and security of our people will continue to be our watch words” Mark said.
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