By Kajo Martins, Makurdi

Benue State Deputy Governor, Chief Steve Lawani has described the victory of Senate President, David Mark at the Appeal court in Jos, Plateau State, as Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District as a welcome development for the people and government of Benue State.

 Reacting to the appeal court judgment in Makurdi, Chief Lawani said Benue State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was fully in support of David Mark since the commencement of the case at tribunal sitting in Makurdi saying the state stand to benefit from the Federal Government with Senator Mark as number three citizen.

Chief Lawani debunked speculation that he was working against Mark's return as Senator, saying the speculation was the handiwork of mischief makers "who go about campaign of calumny for their selfish interest even though such rumours have no substance".

Also reacting, the Secretary to Benue State Government Dr. Audu Achigili noted that Senator Mark's victory at the Appeal Court sitting in Jos has put Benue in the main steam of politics in Nigeria adding that Mark has been vindicated as he was massively voted by the people of Zone C to represent them at the National Assembly.

He urged both David Mark and Alhaji Abubakar Usman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to put the past behind them and join hands to move the state and the nation forward. He said deployment of security agents to Otukpo was not as a result of tension in the area but to forestall any breakdown of law and order by party supporters.

 In his reaction, the special adviser to the governor on political affairs, Dr. Cletus Ityokyaa described Mark's victory at the Appeal Court as victory for democracy.

Dr. Ityokyaa commended the Judiciary over the judgement pointing out that Nigerian Judiciary has come a long way with matured decisions in recent times.

The special adviser described Senator Mark as a nationalist and urged the people of Benue South and the state in general to embrace peace and support David Mark to enable him succeed in his bid to render selfless service to the state and the country in general.