DAVID MARK[/caption]Senate President, David Mark, on Thursday advised President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to be fair to all as he assumes office today as Nigeria’s fifth elected president.
Mark, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said he would anticipate an egalitarian society where all citizens are safe and protected without any fear of molestation or harassment in all parts of Nigeria.
Assuring that the National Assembly would co-operate with the executive arm of government to deliver dividends of democracy to the citizenry, Mark enjoined all Nigerians and the international community to support the new administration of Buhari.
He implored the new administration to build on the foundations of previous governments by meeting the yearnings and aspirations of citizens. Mark also implored Buhari and his running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to anchor their actions on strict adherence to the principles of the rule of law, respect for human rights, freedom of expression, equity and justice.
Mark also took stock of 16 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria and urged citizens to persevere in the effort to sustain democracy. The senate president, in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, said: “All hands must be on deck while everyone plays his or her role to ensure that our democracy endures.” He added: “All Nigerians deserve commendation. We have done well so far. We must strive more to make democracy a way of life. As an active participant in our democratic journey since 1999, I can say without any fear of contradiction that our democracy has endured.
“The successes recorded so far especially with the last general election clearly shows the unwavering commitment of Nigerians to its fruition.” He observed the challenges confronting this democratic experiment, and expressed optimism that all the initial hiccups would soon be consigned to history books.
Mark added that despite its imperfections, democracy remained the best form of government because it is not only representative but also participatory.
THISDAY
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