To fully bring to the fore an understanding of the man Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark the President of the Nigerian Senate since 2007, it is necessary to take a historical excursion of the man who has become a recurring decimal in the socio- political landscape of NIGERIA.

Mark has always exhibited leadership qualities and traits that constantly stood him out as a beacon among his pears .Till date, Senator Mark is remembered for his honesty, patriotism and orderliness. Decades ago as a young Major in the Nigerian Army during the administration of former Head of state General Yakubu Gowon he headed the abandoned property, implementation committee after the 30 months old fratricidal civil war. It was to his credit that the Gowon administration implemented the Reconstruction, Resettlement and Reconciliation policy otherwise referred to as the 3Rs to reintegrate the defunct Biafrans into the Nigerian society.

Senate President, Sen. David Mark

In 1984, providence bestowed on Mark as he was appointed Military Governor of Niger State where again he demonstrated uncommon leadership qualities in spite of daunting challenges.

He left a positive footprint in the sand of time in that state. Till date he enjoys the citizenship of Niger state.

As the then Communications Minister , Mark transformed   Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL) with his hyper tech engineering skill when he introduced mobile phones and digital telephone system in the country. He reorganized Nigeria Postal Service(NIPOST) and started the city coding system. Under his meticulous watch on NITEL , the Organisation built two ultra-modern digital earth stations in Lagos and Enugu.   Unarguably, services improved and internally generated revenue increased and the Organisation became buoyant   and independent without having to rely on government for subventions.

Perhaps, it is instructive to note that Mark’s uncompromising position that telephone subscribers then should pay their bills   or no services which earned him the wrath of not a few NIGERIANS who interpreted his position that “telephone is not for the poor”. He was vilified. But today what Mark saw decades ago is what is practicable in our country.   Under the Global Service for mobile telecommunications (GSM) no one uses the services without prepaid credit. Without any iota of sentiment   Mark is a man who saw tomorrow. He deserves commendation.

The end of Mark’s robust military career ushered him a new beginning on another turf-Politics and opportunity to serve his fatherland even better on a higher pedestal . He has contested and won elections in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015 as a Senator representing his Benue South Senatorial zone. He remains the only Nigerian who so far enjoyed such good will.

If Mark had a glorified career in the military, what he has achieved in the political turf paled to the insignificant his successful records in the Army.

As a Senator, he gave quality representation to his constituents in sports, education, health, empowerment and scores of infrastructure. But as was discovered later his most superlative qualities were not realized until he was elected President of the Senate in 2007.

From a long, tortuous and implacable position, the Nigeria’s Senate eventually assumed a model and rejuvenated status and a great deal of legislative stability under Mark’s leadership . He has put paid to the reign of instability which was the hallmark of the upper chamber between 1999 and 2007. Thus the Nigerian Senate which used to be a laughing stock in the comity of nations given its nature and activities, has gradually evolved into a virile, focused and stable parliament.

Prior to Mark’s emergence as President of the Senate, the Red Chamber was an irritation to the vast majority of Nigerians. The Senate within this period was portrayed as an assemblage   of uncooperative   people as a result of lack of cohesion among members which often culminated in frequent change of leadership.

It is on record that between 1999 and 2005, the Senate changed leadership five times, a situation that was viewed by many as a mockery of democracy. More so   that every state in the South-east to which the presidency of the chamber was zoned at the time had a taste of the office before moving to the North-central in 2007.

Mark’s style of leadership in the Senate has proved that Nigerians can work   together to achieve national goals   if only people are conscious of the responsibility that posterity has placed on their shoulders when found in places of authority.

As Mark , the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate marks his 67th birthday today it is hoped that In the years ahead the nation   will still need his ready hands to help navigate the socio-economic and political climate.

Paul Mumeh is the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate.