OBJ mobilises support for David Mark - Over case at appeal court

Idowu Samuel, Abuja - 20.03.2008

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is not happy with the fate that befell the Senate President, Senator David Mark, at the Election Tribunal in Benue State and has thus directed members of the Peoples Democratic Party to pray for his victory at the Appeal Court.

The Senate President had appealed the judgement by the Election Tribunal which nullified the results of his election in three local governments in Benue State thus putting his hope on the outcome of his appeal.

However, Obasanjo had relayed his interest in the leadership of David Mark in the Senate to a caucus of the party who besieged him at the Transcorp Hotel where he lodged for the last PDP National Convention with the intention of having his view on his (Mark) fate.

Insiders at the meeting between Obasanjo and the PDP top shots said to include two serving ministers, former ministers and some senators told the Nigerian Tribune that the former president strongly advised his visitors to pray for Mark for the purpose of having him remain as the Senate President after the Appeal Court judgment.

Obasanjo, it was learnt, told the PDP caucus specifically that the Presidency of David Mark was key to the survival of democracy given his level of performance and the stability he had brought to the Senate since he emerged as the Senate President.

The former president had reportedly expressed misgivings at the nature of balance of power in the upper chamber in the event of Mark’s exit, a reason he was said to have been entreating members of the PDP to support him spiritually in ensuring that he does not fall.