Why David Mark is ‘missing’ – Ex-aide

Dr Elijah Adakole, a close aide to former Senate President, David Mark, has explained why his principal had been missing from the nation’s sociopolitical and economic firmament since he left the Senate.

David Mark held sway as senate president for two consecutive terms of eight years after being a ranking senator for another cumulative eight years and his remaining four exiting years, bringing the number of years he spent at the red chambers to 20, but appears to be ‘missing in action’ since he exited the Senate in 2019.

But according to Adakole, who spoke with Daily Trust in Makurdi over the weekend, Mark had assumed the role of an elder statesman.

The aide said, had resorted to playing the elder’s role after losing bid to clinch the PDP ticket in the party’s primary election held in Rivers State in July 2018.

He described Mark as an ardent member of the PDP who stands by every of the party’s decision to make positive advancements in the country.

“For now, he (Mark) is doing nothing. He has retired from active politics. He now guides the young ones who are into politics and come to him for advice. That is what he is up to now. He is just resting,” he said.

“He shuttles between Otukpo and Abuja. He comes to Otukpo regularly to attend wedding or burial ceremonies. He engages in a lot of sports and mentors youths. Virtually, every day, he goes for his golfing. He also goes to church as an ardent Catholic. He attends marriages and burials at his Otukpo home town.

“He is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees. So, he attends the party’s meetings. We appreciate him for all the roles played over the years and he is now resting. ”

On whether Mark would relaunch himself into the political scene in 2023, Adakole said that his principal had not indicated interest in the presidency which he eyed in 2019. He added that 2023 is still far.

“But should he decide to come out, we have a network of support to back him,” Adakole said.

“He has become the conscience of the nation. He talks when he is supposed to talk. He isn’t as visible as before but talks when he should. If politicians consult him on any matter, he is ever ready to render his advice and that is what he has been doing.”