Senate President David Mark on Thursday insisted that Nigeria remains the hope of Africa irrespective of current challenges.
Mark made the remark at a Special Church service which held at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, to mark the 2014 Democracy Day.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the senate president urged Nigerians not to despair in spite of the challenges associated with democracy because it remains the best and acceptable form of government.
He stated that there is no alternative to democracy because it is participatory and representative of all.
Mark said: “Nigeria is still the hope of Africa. We must not despair. We must remain resolute because there will be light at the end of the tunnel”.
The senate present lamented the escalating level of insecurity in the country and asked all citizens to join hands with government and security operatives in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Mark specifically prayed for the quick, safe and unconditional release of over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State.
“This is most embarrassing. How can they justify the abduction of these innocent girls whose only offence is that they chose to be educated to better their lots and ultimately contribute to the economic and socio-political development of their fatherland?
“We pray that God touches the heart of their abductors to free them even as we do everything humanly possible to rescue our girls. However, swapping them for criminals is not an option”, he stated.
