A former President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark, has debunked claims he received over N2bn from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP through a National Assembly account for distribution to members of the Red chamber.
Mark (PDP, Benue South) made the denial in a statement by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, claiming that as a law-abiding citizen, he had answered an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to clarify the issue.
The statement, which according to Mumeh was the first and only official response from the office of the former Senate president, read: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports wherein it was reported that former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, was quizzed by the EFCC over some alleged financial transactions.
“To set the record straight, Senator Mark was invited by the EFCC via a letter addressed to the National Assembly to answer questions on the 2015 presidential election campaign funds as it concerned Benue State. As a law-abiding citizen, Senator Mark honoured the invitation.
“Curiously, they also alleged that the PDP paid over N2bn into the National Assembly’s account which he, as the then President of the Senate, allegedly shared among the 109 senators, including the PDP, the Action Congress of Nigeria and the All Nigerians Peoples Party (members) in 2010.
“Again, to the best of his knowledge, Senator Mark is not aware of such transactions. This simply did not make sense to any right thinking member of the society. Senator Mark wondered why anybody would think that the PDP will pay money into the National Assembly account. He however clarified all the issues raised before returning home.
“Senator Mark believes in due process and the rule of law. He has maintained a clean record of public service over the years and will continue to uphold the highest standard of conduct expected of public servants.”
The statement added that Mark has received the support of his colleagues during this period, saying he considers the travail a price for leadership.
