TheCable

David Mark, former senate president, has asked John Oyegun, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to caution Daniel Onjeh, candidate of the APC in the February 13 rerun election in Benue south senatorial district.

Mark alleged that Onjeh and his campaign organisation have been making disparaging statements against him.

The former number-one man at the senate said Onjeh’s action is “unbecoming of someone aspiring to lead”.

“The continued inflammatory statements, innuendo, abuse and poor conduct of Onjeh and his campaign team ahead of the rerun election is clearly unbecoming of someone aspiring to lead,” read a statement issued on behalf of Mark by Adakole Elijah, his director of media and publicity.

“We believe very strongly that this is another APC plot to cover its antics. We cannot fall for it. We cannot be part of this crude mentality. We demand an immediate retraction and unreserved apology forthwith.

“We make bold to state unequivocally that we have maintained the highest level of decorum and restraint in spite of the unwarranted provocation since the campaign started.

“It is, therefore, instructive to remind Chief Oyegun that as a man who comes from the great Benin Kingdom, the custodian of African rich cultural heritage, where respect for elders is a grand norm, he cannot be endorsing Onjeh’s ceaseless insult on our principal.

“The APC does not need to attack our principal. This is election. All they need do is to tell the people what they have done or want to do. Senator Mark cannot be the APC agenda. We have an array of what we have done for the people. We cannot join issues with them.

The statement said the people of Benue south cannot be intimidated to vote against Mark, who has attracted several projects to the area.

The APC was also accused of plotting to foment trouble on the day of the election.

“Our people have now seen the difference between what our principal stands for and what the APC wants to do in Benue south,” the statement read.

“They have seen how Senator Mark influences human capital development, attracting a university to Benue South, multi billion naira Otobi water dam to address the water and electricity problems in the area, the legendary Oweto/Loko bridge to facilitate movement of goods and services as well as annual scholarship to students under David Mark scholarship Foundation among others.  These are verifiable facts.

“We do not need a resort to self help to win elections. Our people are now convinced that external forces cannot determine their destiny. They know that Senator Mark represents Idoma dreams. They have decided once again to vote for Senator Mark.

“We also need to remind security operatives to be on the alert as the APC in Benue state is perfecting plan to unleash mayhem on Benue south during and after the elections.

“Credible information reaching us indicates that the APC is said to be sewing camouflage army and police uniforms for thugs during the election.

“But what they must know by now is that our people have resolved to take their destiny in their hands. No amount of intimidation or external forces can change their resolve to vote for Senator a Mark.”