Former president of the Senate, David Mark, has
told Nigerians not to despair in the face of the
daunting economic and socio-political challenges
but to remain steadfast for democracy to endure.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians marking this
year’s democracy day, Mr. Mark noted that it was
by deliberate choice and design that the nation
chose presidential democracy as the best form of
government because it is representative and
participatory .
The 2016 democracy day, Mr. Mark said, was
unique “because it is the first time in the last 17
years of uninterrupted civilian administration that
an opposition political party is in charge”.
In spite of some criticisms, he said the foundation
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
administration put in place for 16 years
guaranteed the atmosphere that enabled an
opposition party to win elections.
Mr. Mark stated: “The PDP provided the enabling
environment for democracy to thrive. It never
hindered or prevented opposition parties from
operating. Everyone had access and the political
space was free for all.
“For 16 uninterrupted years , the PDP discharged
firmly and competently the popular mandate of
governance of Nigeria through four
unprecedented political transitions which
included the first ever transition of power from a
ruling political party to opposition party in our
county.
“By this, the PDP ensured that after a largely
fruitless search since independence, democracy
as a form of government has come to stay as the
norm.
“Today, whether the same scenario is available in
our country is up to the citizenry to judge.
Whether life is better now or then is however
debatable.
“All the same, this is our country. Which ever side
of the divide one finds him or herself, we must
strive to play such roles honestly and patriotically
in order to make our country a better place,” he
said.
He urged governments at all levels to initiate
policies and programmes that are in consonance
with the wishes and aspirations of the people,
saying that any programme or policy that tends
to bring misery on the citizenry cannot be
adjudged a good package.

Keneking:
Has he clarified Panama Leaks?

He should keep quiet pls

tempest01:
Mark should talk about the Panama papers not politics. In a sane country, he should have voluntarily resigned by now. EFCC should do the needful.

Pavarottii:

But listen wen Tinubu talks about Governance. I see ur hypocritical stare.

9jii:
Any Sane person knw the problems of Today nigerians are facing was the result of PDP 16 yrs of corruption.

The bigger the problem pdp caused for us the Harder it's to fix.

No Amount of Wailing will make this Gov. Lose the focus in it effort to change things

SamuelAnyawu:
Hard to really judge Sir. when oil was $140 a barrel over 90% of Nigerians were suffering tho now it's over 96%

otukpo:
In as much as life was better under GEJ government than PMB 's, mark particularly did not do his best for Nigeria as a senate president.

9jii:
Any Sane person knw the problems of Today nigerians are facing was the result of PDP 16 yrs of corruption.

The bigger the problem pdp caused for us the Harder it's to fix.

No Amount of Wailing will make this Gov. Lose the focus in it effort to change things