Tag: David Mark

  • Mark consoles Saraki over mother’s demise

    Mark consoles Saraki over mother’s demise

    Former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark has condolence to his successor Sen. Bukola Saraki over the death of his mother, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Mark stated this in a statement by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Media Adviser on Thursday in Abuja.

    He described the late Madam Saraki as an ideal mother who was noble in words and deeds.

    He said the success story of Sen. Saraki and his siblings, bears eloquent testimony that Madam Saraki gave her children good upbringing to be responsible and patriotic citizens.

    The former senate President described Madam Saraki as “a kind and compassionate woman who made tremendous contributions to the development of the society”.

    “Your services and commitment to the ideals of nationhood I believe can be attributed to Mama’s hard work, care and discipline which she imparted on you to be responsible and patriotic citizen.”he said.

    Mark said that the encomiums on Madam Saraki since her transition to the great beyond, showed that she was a woman of valour who touched others in many positive ways.

    He urged the children to uphold and indeed sustain the good attributes of Mama, especially her good neighbourliness and philanthropy which endeared her to many whilst she was alive.

    Mark prayed that God in His infinite mercy grant the deceased eternal rest just as he prayed that the Almighty gives the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Ayogu Eze : We lost a vibrant parliamentarian-David  Mark

    Ayogu Eze : We lost a vibrant parliamentarian-David Mark

    Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has lamented over the death of Senator Ayogu Eze , describing it as a painful loss.

    Senator Ayogu Eze was reported dead yesterday at an Abuja hospital after a brief illness.

    He represented Enugu North Senatorial District under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Senate between 2007 and 2015.

    He was Senate spokesperson and chairman, committee on information and later superintended works and housing committee.

    A well honed journalist, Ayogu Eze before his election to the Senate was commissioner for information and culture in Enugu State between 1999 and 2007.

    He was an Editor with the Guardian Newspapers Limited in Lagos and the defunct Newswatch magazine .

    Until his death, he was Federal commissioner in the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) in Abuja. He was aged 66.

    The death of Ayogu Eze, Senator Mark noted was a huge loss to the political class especially the legislature where he played vital roles in the constitution review committee.

    Senator Mark said, Ayogu Eze was one of the fertile minds who demonstrated patriotism in his contributions to debates on motions and bills of national importance.

    Mark was however consoled that Ayogu Eze left his positive footprints in the sand of time, saying that he will be sorely missed.

  • Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim: A huge loss to Nig, David Mark mourns former colleague

    Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim: A huge loss to Nig, David Mark mourns former colleague

    Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has described the demise of Former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim as a huge loss to the nation.

    The former governor was reported dead on Sunday while receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia.

    Reacting to the news of the demise, Senator Mark noted that, “Senator Ibrahim was a true democrat who promoted participatory democracy especially during his stint as governor of Yobe State and as Yobe East Senator from 2007 to 2019.

    “Senator Ibrahim served as the first civilian Governor of Yobe State. He served as Chairman and Member of several Committees in the Senate.

    ” His contributions to the parliament through robust debate on motions and bills were remarkable. He was outstanding in all his assignments.

    “Senator Ibrahim was an advocate of peace and unity of Nigeria .

    “He was a reliable and dedicated public servant who contributed immensely to the development of Yobe State and Nigeria at large.

    “His leadership impacted positively on Yobe State in many spheres including educational and infrastructural development.

    “His introduction of Free Education Programme in Yobe State back in 2004 provided a platform for many indigents to acquire free education from primary to secondary school levels in the state.

    “This initiative contributed to the reduction of out-of-school children and illiteracy in the State.

    “Senator Ibrahim was a true democrat and a bridge builder who worked tirelessly to promote unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria. He was a key figure in the nation’s political landscape for many years.

    “The death of a man of foresight such as Senator Ibrahim is indeed a huge loss. He will be sorely missed.”

    Senator Mark also extended his sincere condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Yobe State, and all Nigerians.

     

    Signed:
    Paul Mumeh,
    Media Adviser to Senator David Mark.

  • David Mark buries son amidst tears in Otukpo

    David Mark buries son amidst tears in Otukpo

    The remains of Tunde Mark, son of the former President of the Senate, David Mark, has been laid to rest in his home town Otukpo, Benue amidst tears.

    Tunde who died on Oct. 21, 2022 in a London hospital at the age of 51,  had battled with cancer for over a year.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Paul Mumeh, Special Adviser on Media to Mark on Saturday in Minna.

    Mumeh said that the burial rites began on Nov. 9, with Service of Songs held in Abuja.

    He added that Tunde’s body was accompanied by family and friends to Otukpo for a wake  on Thursday, Nov. 10 and committed to mother earth on Friday, Nov.11.

    He said that personalities that attended the burial included Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, his deputy, Benson Abonu, Senate minority leader, Sen. Philip Aduda and Sen.  Abba Moro.

    Others are former senator representing Nasarawa South, Sen. Suleman Adokwe, former governor of Kogi, Idris Wada, Lekan Mustapha,  Bishop Michael Apochi of Otukpo Catholic diocese,  Rev Innocent Jooji, among.

    Many of the attendees described late Tunde as humble and  intellectual with analytical skills, who discussed to no end on virtually all subjects.

    According to the statement, Most Rev. Fr. Sylvester Onmonke, during the sermon encouraged the family to have faith in God as only Him holds the power to give and take live.

    Onmoke urged the parents, family and friends not to lose hope, pointing out that even though, Tunde died in his prime, he left a legacy of selfless service to humanity.

    The former Senate President’s tribute to his late son was read by Tunde’s younger brother, David Mark Jnr and Hon. Blessing Onyeche- Onuh, member, Federal House of Representatives representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency.

    Amidst tears, Tunde’s remains were lowered into the grave at the family compound in Otukpo.

    He is survived by his wife, Natsu,  daughter Audrey ,  parents, brothers and sisters.

  • Atiku commiserates with David Mark over son’s death

    Atiku commiserates with David Mark over son’s death

    Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday condoled former President of the Senate, David Mark, over the death of his first son, Tunde.

    Abubakar, in a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja, said he was shocked and saddened by the news of Tunde’s demise.

    “It is with a heavy heart that I condole with David Mark’s family over this loss. I share in your grief because Tunde and I had a special relationship of which I took him as a son.

    “It is my prayer that God, who is the decider of all affairs, will heal all hearts that are hurt by this grief and accept the repose of his soul,” Abubakar said.

  • Breaking: David Mark loses first son, Tunde to cold hands of death

    Breaking: David Mark loses first son, Tunde to cold hands of death

     

    Information reaching TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) indicate Jonathan Tunde Mark, the first son of former President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark is dead

    According to a reliable website for Benue State news, says Tunde David Mark died in the United Kingdom (UK) after a protracted battle with unknown ailment.

    Another report said the 51-year-old David Mark first son died of cancer. The report added that Tunde David Mark corpse is expected to be flown back to the country in the coming days for burial.

    It was also gathered that sympathisers have thronged the GRA Otukpo residence of the Okpokpowulu K’Idoma to condole the family over the unfortunate incident.

    Born on the 13th of October 1971 in Otukpo, Benue State, northcentral Nigeria, Tunde attended Yaba Military School which is located in Yaba, Lagos where he obtained his first school leaving certificate. Later he proceeded to Fernden Prep School, Haslemere, Surrey, the UK where he attended Secondary school.

    As at the time of filing this report no official confirmation from the family of the former Senate President, David Mark.

    More details shortly

  • 2023: PDP ready for National Convention – Mark

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), says arrangements have been concluded for a hitch free convention on Saturday, said its chairman, Sen. David Mark.

    Mark, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Mumeh, gave the assurance while addressing members of the committee of the Convention in Abuja on Friday.

    Mark, a former President of the Senate, gave the assurance that the exercise would be smooth and transparent.

    He told members of the committee to be prepared to carry out credible exercise, saying “you must be absolutely transparent.

    “If you have any interest or bias for any of the aspirants, you can excuse yourself from this assignment.”

    Mark maintained that the stage was set for a hitch-free programme as all logistics, materials and security had put in place.

    “We are prepared for the exercise, virtually all our delegates have arrived Abuja”.

    He said the PDP had a track record of conducting peaceful congresses and conventions over the years, assuring that the outcome of the convention would make the party stronger.

    “The PDP has an array of eminently qualified persons to rule Nigeria. We carried out due diligence during our screening. I am confident that whoever emerges from the convention will reflect the wishes of our party”.

    Mark and his committee members also inspected the facilities at the Velodrome , Moshood Abiola stadium , Abuja , venue of the convention.

    The Party is expected to elect its presidential flag bearer for the 2023 presidential election on Saturday.

  • David Mark urges Ortom to sustain  peace, unity in  Benue

    David Mark urges Ortom to sustain peace, unity in Benue

    The former President of the Senate, David Mark has urged Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue to sustain the peace and unity of the people of the state.

    Mark made the call in goodwill message by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Media Adviser, to the governor on his 61st birthday on Sunday in Abuja.

    He praised Ortom’s indomitable spirit in defence of the state so far and told him to remain resolute.

    “The security and welfare of our citizens are paramount and must not be compromised, “he said.

    The former president of the Senate enjoined told Ortom to ensure that the principle of fairness, equity and justice was upheld at all times in the administration of the state.

    “You will continue to enjoy the loyalty and support of the people of the state if you maintain balance, fairness, equity and justice in affairs of the state, “he said.

    He urged Ortom to bequeath a legacy of peace and unity to further cement the bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic groups in the state.

    Mark wished the governor good health, wisdom and courage in the years to come.

  • JUST IN: David Mark, Anyim Pius Anyim, 25 other PDP elders wade into party crisis, call for calm

    JUST IN: David Mark, Anyim Pius Anyim, 25 other PDP elders wade into party crisis, call for calm

    A former Senate President David Mark and 27 other elders have made known their intentions to wade in the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    They said they will soon meet with PDP Governors, the Board of Trustees, and the National Working Committee (NWC) to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising.

    But they have appealed to all party organs, officers, and members to remain calm.

    The 28 elders made the plea in a statement which they jointly signed in Abuja.

    The elders are Mark, ex-Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; former Deputy Speaker Austin Opara; ex-Minister Jerry Gana; ex-Governors Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Danmkwambo, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola; ex-National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo; ex-Ministers Odion Ugbesa and Hajiya Zainab Maina, Senators Biodun Olujimi and Zainab Kure.

    Others are a former National Chairman of PDP Sen. Ahmed Makarfi; a former Chief of Staff Mike Ogiadomhe; Senate Minority Leader Eyinnaya Abaribe; Sen. Helen Esuene; Sen. Agboola Hosea and Hajiya Adiza Adodo.

    The statement said: “In view of recent developments at the National Secretariat of our great party, we have resolved to issue this press statement urging all party organs, party officers and party members to remain calm, faithful and orderly, as we proceed with urgent consultations and initiatives to resolve the contending issues.

    “We wish to firmly reassure aggrieved stakeholders that we intend to be thorough, objective, creative, and balanced in our efforts to find lasting solutions to the fundamental matters arising.

    ” Towards this end, we have initiated moves to urgently meet with our Governors, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, and other critical stakeholders. Since we all share the legitimate desires of our loyal members to offer a credible, effective and productive alternative, we have no doubt that we shall soon find positive, appropriate, pragmatic, and lasting solutions to the problems facing the party.

    “We shall emerge from this crisis stronger, better, and more united. This is only a temporary challenge.”

    The elders assured the PDP will overcome its challenges and provide leadership qualities for Nigerians.

    The statement added: “We assure all Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party is resolute in providing qualitative leadership, sound programs, effective implementation strategies, and hope generating solutions to our national problems.

    ” On behalf of the elders and founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, we wish to use this medium to thank all Party Members and supporters across Nigeria and in diaspora for their commitment, loyalty and strong support.”

  • Attack on Ortom: Ordinary citizens may be compelled to resort to self help – David Mark

    Attack on Ortom: Ordinary citizens may be compelled to resort to self help – David Mark

    Senator David Mark has the Nigerian government to guarantee the safety of lives and properties to prevent people from resorting to self-help.

    Mark said this in reaction to the attempt on the life of the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, by gunmen suspected to be bandits.

    A statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, quoted the governor as saying, “If a state governor can be so brazenly attacked, what would they not do to the ordinary citizens?

    “Let me state clearly that Benue people are receptive and accommodating. But this should not be misconstrued or mistaken for weakness. Enough of this malady.

    “If our government and security operatives can no longer guarantee peoples’ safety in their homes, farms or places of business, I am worried that the situation may compel citizens to resort to self help. That is the situation, we cannot contemplate and must not be allowed to happen because the consequences would be catastrophic.

    “Therefore, federal government and all the security agencies must of a necessity come to terms with the painful reality of the unabating insecurity in the land and resolve to end it.”

    Mark advised Ortom to see the attack as a reason to beef up security in the state, as he hailed him, saying he has lived up to his oath to defend and protect the people of Benue State.