By Richard Anyebe
Some prominent Nigerians have congratulated former Senate President David Mark on today’s celebration of his 76th birthday.
In separate messages, the leaders praised David Mark for his good conduct and steadfastness over the years.
A statement yesterday in Kano by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, acknowledged the messages from the dignitaries to the former Senate President.
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida described David Mark as a very diligent and hardworking officer who earned a reputation as a distinguished officer and gentleman.
“Mark epitomises an inimitable example of a thorough-bred army general who has made a name for himself in both the military and democratic administration,” he said.
Babangida wished him good health, peace, and wisdom in the years ahead.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Mark for his indomitable spirit.
He recalled that the former Senate President provided quality leadership and brought sanity and stability to the polity.
A former military administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Brig.-Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd.), said Mark is a man of many parts who has excelled in every assignment.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro expressed appreciation to Mark for being a great mentor.
He urged him not to relent in making his reservoir of knowledge available to the younger generations.
Moro expressed optimism that history would be kind to the celebrant for his contributions to the development of the country.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa prayed to God to grant Mark good health, wisdom, and courage.
Okowa hoped that the former Senate President would continue to make his wealth of experience in leadership available for the younger generation to emulate.
A former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, described Mark as a unique leader who has the gift of managing human and material resources successfully.
Wabara recalled Mark’s leadership of the Senate and the National Assembly when he invoked the “Doctrine of Necessity” to solve an intractable constitutional crisis that almost bedeviled the nation in 2010.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal described Mark as a foremost leader who had made a positive impact in the leadership of Nigeria, especially in the legislature.
A former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) said Mark is a leader of inestimable value.
He urged him to establish a leadership foundation where he would mentor and lecture young Nigerians on the rudiments of administration and leadership.
David Mark was born on April 8, 1948.
He was the military Governor of Niger, Communications Minister, and senator at different times.
He remains to this day, Nigeria’s longest senate president.
CREDIT: The Nation