Mark, a stabilizing voice in Nigeria’s democracy - Abatemi-Usman

Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman has described the Senate President, David Mark, as a true patriot and democrat, who has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria.

The Senator, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the Senate, made the remark in a goodwill message signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Michael Jegede, to congratulate the number-one lawmaker in the country on the occasion of his 65th birthday anniversary.

According to Abatemi-Usman, the leadership style of the soldier turned politician since his emergence as the Senate President in 2007, has greatly helped in ensuring stability in the Senate, beating the “Ghost of Senate's Banana Peels” that hitherto disturbed the upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

He added that the maturity, bravery and sagacity usually displayed by Mark in handling every challenge and burning issue of national importance before the Senate were quite commendable and laudable.

The message reads: “Happy birthday to an officer, a gentleman, a leader, a true patriot, the author of 'Doctrine Of Necessity', a stabilizing voice in our democracy, my mentor, my boss, the longest-serving Senate President. I rejoice with you on the occasion of your 65th birthday. Your sterling leadership qualities have provided an essential stabilizing force in the Red Chamber. We, your colleagues, and the nation at large admire and respect your wisdom, fairness and dedication to duty. On behalf of my family and the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, I wish you many more years of fruitful service, good health and the blessings of the Almighty.”

SIGNED: MICHAEL JEGEDE
MEDIA AIDE TO SENATOR NURUDEEN ABATEMI-USMAN