By Mu’azu Osekalago

Traditional rulers in the country would be provided with constitutional responsibilities in the much awaited constitutional amendment, President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, has said.

Senate President Mark stated this during a recent courtesy call on the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai and the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Aliyu Ahmadu Onawo.

He stressed that as custodians of the nation’s culture, traditional rulers must be given defined roles in the constitution.

"As we go through the constitution amendment, we must provide adequately for traditional rulers because they are stabilizing factors in the progress of this nation," Senator Mark stated.

The senate president reiterated his commitment to promoting the cause of a united Nigeria and the common man through effective legislation saying, "we owe posterity a duty to ensure that".

He said that he was at the traditional rulers palaces to thank them for their support throughout the period of his protracted legal tussle for Benue South Senatorial District.

It would be recalled that recently the Court of Appeal sitting in Jos has ruled in favour of Senator David Mark to continue in office as the senator representing Benue South senatorial district.

Earlier, in lower court, the Benue state elections petitions tribunal, nullified the election of Senator David Mark on the grounds that the senator did not obtain the highest number of votes cast and other electoral malpractices witnessed during the senatorial election last year.

The suit against Senator David Mark was instituted by the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Alhaji Usman Abubakar popularly known as the young Alhaji, who sought the courts to annul the election of Senator David Mark.

The senate president stated that he bore no grudge against anybody, saying "I have forgiven my opponent and all the hands that were involved."

Responding, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai congratulated the senate president on his victory, enjoining him to be steadfast in the discharge of his duties.

The emir who assured Senator Mark of the royal fathers’ support, prayed God to guide Mark throughout his tenure as the senate president.

Similarly, the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Aliyu Onawo, while welcoming the Senate President to his palace in Doma town, urged him to sustain the harmonious working relation between the executive and legislature.

He enjoined Senator Mark to facilitate the implementation of President Yar’adua’s 7-point agenda, saying, "you are placed where you have a responsibility to contribute to a greater Nigeria."

The visit to Doma provided the senate president, an Idoma man, the opportunity to re-unite with his Alago brothers who for long have been described as "run-away Idoma."

In another development, Senate President David Mark has challenged Nigerians to contribute positively to governance at all levels in the country.

Senate President Mark gave the charge while addressing a congregation during the thanks giving service at St. Williams Catholic Cathedral Lafia, Nasarawa State, over his recent election petition victory at the Court of Appeal, Jos, Plateau State, noting that the success or failure of any leader depended on his followers.

The Senate President, who was full of appreciation to the Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, and the people of Nasarawa State for their solidarity during legal tussle, said he was in the state to thank the people for the support.

He promised to be honest, diligent and transparent in the discharge of his duties, soliciting for more prayers and support from the people.

In his Sermon, Rev. Fr. Jude Maigari called on the people to be compassionate and share with the needy, stating that such an act would go along way in moving the society forward.

Reverend Jude reminded all the people always turn to God in their hour of need, urging them to pray for God’s guidance, protection and mercy at all times.

The Senate President, David Mark was accompanied to the church service by the secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Timothy Anjide. The oche Otukpo, Dr. John Iyimonye, minister of state for education, Dr. Jerry Agada, political adviser to the senate president, Senator Okudu Okpede, Honourable Patrick Abba Moro and other distinguished politicians from Benue and Nasarawa states.