BY HENRY UMORU, ABUJA
SENATE President David Mark said yesterday that the unity or indivisibility of Nigeria was not negotiable, just as he pleaded with Nigerians not to despair because benefits of a united nation far outweigh the reversed order.

Speaking when he led members of the 3rd regular course  of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) alumni association 1967 set on a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin , Erediauwa 11, the Senate President said that  irrespective of the security and other challenges confronting the nation, Nigeria as a country must strive towards ensuring that the unity of the country remains our watchword.

In a statement signed yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark who urged both the government and the led to brace up to the challenge of nationhood, stressed that Nigerians have accepted democracy as a way of life, adding, ‘’we must do our best to perfect the process so that we can all reap the dividend of democracy.

‘’The unity and progress of Nigeria through a democratic process is the desire of all citizens. We must therefore provide a suitable environment for democracy to thrive”

He reiterated the resolve of the 7th National Assembly to commence immediately the process of amending the 1999 constitution to correct the imbalances assuring that traditional rulers would be given a place of pride in the proposed arrangement.

His colleagues who have served in various military formations he said have continued to contribute their quota to unity and development of the nation.

Responding, the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa who thanked the delegation for their continued contribution to nation building, however urged them not to relent in their various endeavour.

According to Mumeh, the Senate President who also paid a courtesy call on Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, implored government at all levels to make the welfare and security of the citizenry their watchwords.

He told the governor to uphold the tempo of development in the state so that the citizenry continues to reap their investment on democratic government.

In his remarks, governor Oshiomhole said he has recorded modest achievements that have earned him the respect from the people, promising not to rest on his oars in that stead.