By Emmanuel Aziken
LAGOS — The Federal Government has approved the design of a super grid for a coal power station to supply 700 Kw to Benue State, Vice-President Nnamadi Sambo declared yesterday.

He spoke at the formal declaration by the President of the Senate, Chief David Mark for a fourth term in the Senate in Otukpo.

Yesterday’s declaration ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, about 18 governors and deputy governors, Senators, ministers and members of the House of Representatives, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Mr. Paul Mumeh stated.

Presenting the Senate President before the crowded audience, Vice President Sambo listed the attributes and qualities of Mark and submitted that, Mark remain a true representative and a worthy ambassador who must be encouraged to continue to serve his fatherland.

The Vice President noted that the Goodluck Jonathan-led government has continued to enjoy good rapport with the National Assembly under the leadership of Mark, a development that has facilitated progress in the governance.

He announced that the Federal Executive Council, FEC had approved the construction of the second phase of River Benue Bridge which would facilitate and smoothen intra and inter state transportation in the Benue axis.

The Vice President added that FEC also approved a design of super grid of coal power station to supply 700 Kw to the people of the state, noting that the present administration has put power supply as one of its major projects for the good of all.

Declaring his intention to run for the Benue South Senatorial seat, an emotion laden Senator Mark said he was overwhelmed by the support and solidarity exhibited by his people and has therefore responded to their yearnings for him to return to the Senate in 2011.
Senator Mark said he  dedicated his achievements and successes so far to his people and thanked his colleagues in the National Assembly for the trust and support to his leadership.

He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the actualization of Apa State if given the opportunity to continue to serve, saying; “What is paramount in the minds of any son and daughter of Idoma land is the actualization of the creation of Apa State. I am committed to the project and I will continue to respond positively to the yearnings and aspirations of our people.”

Senator Mark promised that in collaboration with the executive arm of government, he will see to the completion of on_going projects, stressing, “The era of abandoning projects are over.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole also praised the leadership qualities of Mark and urged him to continue to offer himself to the services of the nation.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu noted that Mark is a diamond and a unique leader who must be upheld.

Governors Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Aliyu Babangida of Niger, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Danjuma Goje of Gombe States who coincidentally chaired the occasion eulogized the qualities of Senator Mark and urged the people not to look elsewhere for senatorial candidate in 2011.

Former Chairman of the Board of Trustee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih who was the Father of the Day, said Senator Mark has displayed an exemplary role in the National Assembly which he affirmed has stabilized the polity.

Information and Communication Minister, Professor Dora Akunyili pleaded with the Idoma people not to make mistake in their choice of Senator representing the constituency, saying that the sagacity and experience of Senator Mark would continue to yield dividend for them.