The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday harped on peace and unity of Nigeria as the needed elixir for meaningful development.
Mark, who is the chairman of the 3rd Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy,1967 Alumni Association, said the unity and mutual co-existence of Nigeria should not be compromised for any pecuniary interest.
He said this when he led members of the association on a courtesy visit on former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, at his Minna, Niger State country home that the group was in the state for its Annual General meeting, which holds September 3.
It is otherwise called reunion meeting.
Mark explained that the reunion meeting every year rotates across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, during which they give scholarships to children and other less privileged members of the society.
According to him: “It is part of our contributions and ultimately giving back to the society.
“We do this every year and where necessary we offer useful advice to leaders at various levels.”
He specially eulogized Babangida for nurturing them through difficult times during their military career and willingly making contributions to the development of the nation even after retirement.
Mark said: “As the then president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and ever since you left, you have been making contributions to the development of the nation.
“As an association, we think that you deserve to be honoured by every Nigerian.
“We urge you not to relent or be discouraged.
“There are bound to be criticisms.
“The ones that are constructive, accept them and use them.
:The ones that are destructive, ignore them.”
Responding, Babangida thanked them for the honour done to him and urged them to keep the spirit of oneness that could transcend to the entire country.
Babangida specifically praised the Senate president for his leadership qualities, saying “I want to commend you.
“You have been able to hold the Senate and indeed the National Assembly together.
“That has stabilized the polity.
“I am sure your military background has helped you.
“I am proud of you.”
The Senate president and his colleagues also paid courtesy visit on the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in Bida, where both leaders stressed the imperative of unity and peaceful coexistence between and among Nigerians.
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