Ahead of the 2015 general election, Senate President David Mark has warned politicians to desist from making inflammatory or treasonable comments capable of jeopardising the smooth transition process.
Speaking at Saint Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, during a special church service to commemorate the country’s 54th Independence Day anniversary, Mark said such statements would overheat the polity and create avoidable tension.
He reminded politicians that their individual ambitions are subordinate to the national interest, as Nigeria must exist as a nation first before they could pursue their individual ambitions.
He pleaded with those fanning the flames of war and disunity to have a rethink, because there is more to gain by staying united.
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He reiterated that politics is a call for service and not a platform to cause disaffection or disharmony among citizens.
“Election is not a do or die affair. Let’s give peace a chance. We should know that only one seat exist at a time,” he said, warning mischief makers “not to test the will of government because government has all it takes to deal with trouble makers.”
He reminded Nigerians that governance is a collective responsibility between the governed and the government.
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“Therefore, it is not government versus the people; both exist in a symbiotic and reciprocal relationship,” he said.
Mark argued that the nation’s problems are not beyond the capability of Nigerians themselves.
“All we need is the support and goodwill of Nigerian people,” he said.
“We are in a complex society. There are bound to be disagreements or complaints. There are also channels to address these complains or imbalances. Taking up arms against your neighbours or government is certainly not a solution. We must see ourselves as brothers and sisters.”
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The national assembly, he assured, would continue to promote legislation that would have positive impact on the citizens.
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