Time for Serious Introspection - David Mark Tells Tinubu
As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has called for deep reflection on the country’s journey. He emphasized the need for President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to engage in serious introspection to address the nation's pressing issues and challenges.
A Call for Sober Reflection
In a goodwill message to Nigerians, Senator Mark took stock of the country's past and present, noting that despite the significant challenges such as insecurity, poverty, disease, and general underdevelopment, Nigeria possesses vast human and natural resources that can be harnessed for positive change. He stressed that with unity, patriotism, and a common purpose, the nation can rise above its difficulties.
Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, Senator Mark urged the country to learn from its past mistakes. He highlighted the 30-month civil war, intermittent ethnoreligious conflicts, and political instability as issues stemming from both leadership failures and citizens' shortcomings. According to him, “Disappointing as the situation may seem, the shortcomings of the past should serve as useful lessons for progress. We must learn from our past mistakes and work towards a better future.”
The Dangers of Divisive Tendencies
Senator Mark expressed concern over the rise in divisive rhetoric and inflammatory statements, which he believes are exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. He cautioned that those exploiting Nigeria’s ethnic and religious fault lines to sow hatred and division are enemies of the nation. “We must guard against tendencies that divide us as a people and work towards unity,” he stated.
Progress Amid Challenges
While acknowledging the significant challenges facing Nigeria, Senator Mark also recognized areas of progress. He remarked that although the country has not yet reached its full potential, it is better positioned than in previous years. “Though we are not yet where we should be, we are certainly better than yesteryears. This should serve as motivation for us to continue working towards a better Nigeria,” he noted.
Leadership by Example
The former Senate President urged political leaders to lead by example, placing the well-being and needs of citizens at the forefront of their policies and programs. He emphasized that the people should always be the priority in leadership, urging leaders to adopt a more people-centered approach in governance.
A United Front for a Brighter Future
Senator Mark expressed optimism about Nigeria's potential to overcome its challenges if all citizens are willing to unite and work together. He emphasized that past grievances must be set aside to address the pressing needs of the nation. “We must unite and work together to address our challenges,” he said, highlighting that unity is essential for national development.
The Need for Economic Investment
To address underdevelopment, Senator Mark advocated for substantial investments in key economic sectors, particularly enterprises and production. He underscored the need to boost local income and reduce capital flight. “We need to create an environment where everyone can ply his or her trade in any part of the country without fear of intimidation or molestation. We need to be our brother’s keeper at all times,” he remarked.
Heed the Wisdom of Experienced Voices
In closing, Senator Mark advised President Tinubu to heed the counsel of wise and experienced voices in the country. He warned that harsh policies could lead to more harm than good, urging the government to listen to the suffering masses and take immediate steps to address their concerns. “Being very hard on the people can cause self-injury. The time to hear the suffering masses is now,” Senator Mark concluded.
As Nigeria reflects on its journey to nationhood, Senator Mark's message serves as a powerful reminder that introspection, unity, and responsible leadership are essential to navigating the nation's path forward
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