Ex-Senate President receives certificate of return for the 6th time

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued certificate of return to the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark for the Sixth time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the certificate of return was given to him at INEC headquarters by Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku, INEC National Commissioner on Monday, in Abuja.

Receiving the certificate, Mark said his victory at the Benue South rerun election was a renewed mandate to continue to serve God and humanity without blemish.

"In the current democratic dispensation, I am the only Nigerian till the date who has contested Senatorial election six times, won six times and received certificate of return six times.

"When I got the fifth one it was a great record for me but when I got the sixth one now, it is also a great privilege for me and I appreciate it.

"I want to assure Nigerians that I will do my work as a senator, representing Benue South.

"For the confidence, trust and love for me, I will continue to serve honestly with all my heart. My actions will be guided always with the fear of God," Mark said.

Mark who commended INEC for great work it was doing, was of the view that the electioneering should be less cumbersome to enable more qualified Nigerians participate.

"Whatever it is, we in the National Assembly will continue to improve on the electoral process.

"My prayer is that we will get to a level where people will vote freely without security agencies and without any problem that will disrupt elections.

Presenting the certificate to Mark, Nwuruku said the certificate was a confirmation that Mark won the Benue South Senatorial rerun election according to the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of elections.

He reminded elected public officers that election was a process towards rendering services to the society and making life much easier and meaningful to the ordinary man.

Also at the occasion was Prince Solomon Soyebi, another INEC National Commissioner.