By Ignatius Okorocha
Former President of the Senate , Senator David Mark has urged all the stakeholders in the electoral process and Nigerians alike to rise up to the challenges of conducting free, fair, credible and acceptable elections that will stand the test of time in February, 2023.
In a statement signed his media Adviser, Paul Mumeh,Sen Mark requested, “All the stakeholders; the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), the political parties , the security agencies , the Media and civil society organizations (CSOs) to take it as a call to national service to ensure hitch-free polls”.
The former Senate helmsman stated in his new year goodwill message to Nigerians that “I crave for electoral process that is devoid of irregularities . I hope for an election result that will not attract litigation where the loser willingly congratulate the winner.
“This is the foundation and a sure way towards the socio -political and economic emancipation of the country “.
He noted that Nigeria has had a Chequered political history in terms of electioneering challenges and hoped that the past experiences will guide the conduct of 2023 elections .
Mark was however optimistic that the outcome of the 2023 elections would be satisfactory to all stakeholders if all the actors complies with the rules of the game.
The Benue born politician cautioned against electoral violence that portends grave danger for the country . He therefore urged candidates to the elections to educate their supporters against any act that could undermine the process.
Irrespective of different political affiliations, Senator Mark reminded gladiators that every thing must be done to protect and preserve the interests and territorial integrity of the country saying “ whichever way it goes, we have no other country than Nigeria”.
