By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA—AS political activities continue to increase in preparation for the 2015 general elections in the country, Senate President, David Mark, has cautioned politicians to be wary of what they say in order not to put the nation on fire.

Senator Mark warned the political class against inflammatory or treasonable comments capable of jeopardising the smooth transition process.
The Senate President, who gave the warning at a special church service to mark the 54th independent anniversary at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja yesterday, stated that careless utterances could over heat the polity and create avoidable tension.

He reminded politicians that individual ambitions should not override national interest, adding that “Nigeria must exist as a nation first before we could pursue our individual ambitions.”

He pleaded with those fanning the embers of war and disunity to have a rethink as the country would have more to gain by staying united.
He said politics should be a call to service and not a platform to cause disaffection or disharmony among citizens.

“Election is not a do-or-die affair; we should know that only one seat exist at a time,” Senator Mark said.
He warned mischief makers not to test the will of government because “government has all it takes to deal with trouble makers. Let us give peace a chance.”

Mark assured that the National Assembly would continue to promote legislation that would have positive impacts on the citizens.
In his sermon, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji, canvassed peace and unity among Nigerians which, he added, was the only route to achieve progress.
Jooji prayed for God’s intervention to end the rage of terrorism and insurgency facing the country.