Former Senate President, Senator David Mark has cautioned external forces and interests to steer clear of the forthcoming Benue South Senatorial district rerun election or be ready to face resistance from the people.
Mark also warned that the people would not also accept any form of manipulation of the process.
The Court of Appeal in Makurdi, Benue state capital, weeks ago, nullified Mark’s victory and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a rerun election in the district within 90 days.
Mark spoke at the weekend when he was received at a grand reception at the palace of the Ochi’ Idoma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, in Otukpo, Benue State.
He said he had taken the nullification of his victory by the appellate court in good faith and was ready for the rerun election.
The former Senate president said, “It’s the Idomas who will vote on the day of the election, no one can impose anyone on us. No one outside Idoma land can manipulate or impose a candidate on my people in my lifetime. It will never happen.
“We have advanced so much that no one can come and dictate to us. Our people will always do that which will uplift our land and not according to the dictates of anyone from outside.”
Receiving the former Senate president, the Ochi Idoma who said his subjects had accepted the verdict of the Court of Appeal, urged the people of the area to queue behind the candidate with the requisite experience, clout and pedigree in the election.
The royal father said further, “The way our people came out today to receive you clearly shows that they are solidly behind you.”
-Vanguard