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DAVID MARK: A Mark of All Seasons @ 78

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By Paul Mumeh

At 78, David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most enduring figures in public service—an embodiment of discipline, resilience, and unwavering commitment to national stability.

An officer and a gentleman, a soldier and an astute politician, Mark’s life journey reflects purpose and achievement.

Born on April 8, 1948, in Otukpo, his early years were shaped by rigorous military training at the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy (Regular Course 3). Rising through the ranks as a Signals officer, he distinguished himself with professionalism and strategic depth, eventually becoming Director of Signals of the Nigerian Army.

As a young Major, he was entrusted with the sensitive responsibility of Chairman of the Abandoned Property Committee following the Nigerian Civil War—a role that demanded tact, fairness, and national sensitivity. His leadership trajectory later saw him serve as Military Governor of Niger State and Minister of Communications, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s early telecommunications framework.

In 1994, amid a principled disagreement with the regime of Sani Abacha, Mark chose exile over compromise. He returned only after the transition led by Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1998—an enduring testament to his courage and conviction.

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It was, however, in democratic governance that Mark etched his name indelibly in Nigeria’s history. As Senate President from 2007 to 2015—the longest-serving in the nation’s history—he earned the title “Mr. Stability,” steering the National Assembly through turbulent political waters with calm authority. His tenure was marked by a defining legislative intervention: the invocation of the Doctrine of Necessity, which resolved a constitutional crisis arising from the ill health of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and ensured continuity in governance.

Today, as leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mark remains a central figure in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape—calm, experienced, and resolute in offering alternative leadership anchored on democratic ideals.

A devoted family man, he balances public service with private commitments, maintaining humility despite decades of prominence.

Beyond the offices he has held, Mark’s legacy lies in his ability to inspire confidence across divides. In moments of uncertainty, his presence reassured colleagues and citizens alike. He cultivated not just a reputation for leadership, but for steadiness—an increasingly rare quality in Nigeria’s dynamic political terrain.

His years in the Senate were defined not merely by longevity, but by institutional memory and procedural mastery that helped shape legislative culture. Drawing from military discipline and democratic patience, he strengthened the Senate as a pillar of national stability.

Equally remarkable is his restraint in an era often marked by excess. His measured, composed, and deliberate public demeanor set him apart. He spoke when necessary, acted when required, and avoided the distractions of populist theatrics—earning respect across party lines.

Mark’s journey mirrors Nigeria’s own evolution—from military rule to democratic consolidation. Having played key roles in both eras, he stands as a bridge between past and present, offering insight shaped by experience and guided by principle.

At 78, David Mark is not merely a statesman of the past but a continuing force in Nigeria’s present—an enduring symbol of stability, service, and principled leadership. His story remains a compelling lesson in endurance, discipline, and the primacy of national interest over personal ambition.

•  Mumeh wrote from Abuja

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FG reforms NYSC, replaces military leadership, redesigns uniform

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President Bola Tinubu administration has approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Under the new arrangement, the military will no longer head the scheme.

Instead, the agency will be led by a civilian in its operational leadership, while the military will continue to handle security for corps members across the country.

The development was announced on Monday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to reflect all the approved reform measures, enabling immediate implementation of the new framework.

Some of the landmark reforms include:

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A technology-driven call-up process.

Risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members.

A redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career streams.

Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways.

Modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.

Improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system.

A new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.

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Group asks court to disqualify Tinubu from 2027 Election over alleged Certificate Forgery

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The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

‎According to court documents seen by Daily Trust, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates from Chicago State University and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.

‎The suit, marked FHC/K/CS/312/2026, lists Tinubu, INEC, and Chicago State University as defendants.

The plaintiff contended that Tinubu never attended Government College Lagos as claimed, noting that the school was established in 1974, four years after Tinubu allegedly graduated.

The CSO further argued that Tinubu does not possess a valid secondary school certificate, which is the minimum constitutional requirement to contest for the presidency.

It claimed that INEC had failed to act on its petition dated June 19, 2026, demanding clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility.

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‎In its statement of claims, the group referenced a 2023 U.S. court ruling in Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

The plaintiff insisted those records revealed false entries and inconsistencies, including a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

‎The prayers asked by the plaintiff included declaration of forgery against Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, issuance of an order directing INEC to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election, directing CSU to strike Tinubu’s name from its records and perpetual injunction restraining INEC from uploading Tinubu’s name as a candidate.

‎The plaintiff also submitted affidavits of non-multiplicity of action, witness statements, and letters to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding disclaimers on the alleged fake NYSC certificate.

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Firm expresses concern over repeated missing Court File in Ojukwu Property case

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Monarch, four others remanded for arson
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Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL, has raised concerns over what it described as the repeated absence of court records in its ongoing property dispute with Bianca Ojukwu and her sons, even as it filed a motion for stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.

Proceedings before Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, last Monday were stalled for the second time in six weeks due to the unavailability of the case file.

The matter was adjourned after the file was reportedly not returned to court.

A similar situation occurred on May 8, 2026, when the case could not proceed because the file was unavailable.

OTL alleged that the file had been taken from the Ikeja Judicial Division to Lagos more than two months ago for the execution of a warrant and had not been returned.

The claimants’ legal representatives were absent from court on both occasions.

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Describing the development as troubling, OTL said the repeated absence of the file had effectively stalled proceedings and raised questions about accountability in the handling of court records.

Amid the delays, the company disclosed that it had filed and served a motion for stay of execution at the Court of Appeal, seeking to halt enforcement of the judgment pending the determination of its appeal against the 2022 decision in Suit No. LD/1539/2012.

OTL maintained that the application became necessary because steps were being taken to enforce the judgment despite its pending appeal.

The company also contended that the properties in dispute had previously been the subject of a warrant of execution arising from a separate judgment delivered in 2018 by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji in Suit No. LD/794/2011.

The case was subsequently adjourned to October 8, 2026.

Present in court on both adjourned dates on behalf of Ojukwu Transport Limited was one of its directors, Dr. P. Ike Ojukwu.

Counsel to OTL are Ifeanyi Okumah Esq and Chief O. Ugolo, SAN, while Bianca Ojukwu and her sons are represented by Nick Omeye Esq and Co.

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