MARK THREATENS TO SUE AREGBESOLA OVER 'SPURIOUS ALLEGATION'
SENATE President, David Mark, has threatened to sue Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over an alleged unwarranted attack.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mummeh, said the governor alleged that some Nigerians, including Mark, were attempting to raise some money to destabilise the state.
The statement reads in part: 'The attention of the office of the President of the Senate, David Mark, has been drawn to spurious allegation by the governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, alleging plot by some eminent Nigerians to raise funds to destabilise his state.
'We ordinarily should not elevate such idle talk with a response but for the unabating enquiries from friends, associates and the general public on the allegation. Aregbesola was widely reported in the media as saying that prominent Nigerians, including Vice President Namadi Sambo and President of the Senate, David Mark, were involved in the plot to raise N1 billion to destabilise his administration'.
Threatening to take legal action if the governor does not apologise, Mark said it would not be possible for him to embark on any action that does not promote unity and development in the country.
'We frown at this falsehood and unwarranted attack on the person and office of the President of the Senate. We demand unreserved apology from Aregbesola or we would be left with no option than to seek legal redress.
'For the avoidance of doubt, President of the Senate is a statesman who believes in the rule of law and commitment to development that will improve the lives of Nigerians.
'It is, therefore, unthinkable and an affront for Aregbesola to link the President of the Senate to issues that do not engender progress or development.
'The Senate President is a builder, a lawmaker and adherent to democratic ideals. He believes in the right of everyone to express his or her views but in doing so, it should not impugn or insult the sensibilities of others.
'We do not want to be dragged into the politics of Osun State. We can only advise Aregbesola that what the people of Osun State desire is purposeful leadership, development that affects them positively and make the society a better place and not mudslinging.
'The Osun State governor should also be reminded that resort to abuse or disparaging leaders in the name of politics would not earn him laurels.
'Aregbesola must imbibe the culture of respect for elders, decorum and learn to control his tongue. He should behave like a state governor and not as an area boy', the statement added.