Mark Blames Senators For Corruption, Inefficiency

Senate President David Mark said the inefficiency and corruption in the system could have been "reasonably abated" if senators carried out their oversight duties exhaustively and effectively.

Mark made the assertion in Abuja on Tuesday in a speech delivered to the Senate thanking senators for their support while he was away for medical treatment in Israel and upon Senate’s resumption from a two- week recess.

He said the inefficiencies which various investigations had revealed could have been avoided if senators had taken their oversight duties seriously.

"Let me use this opportunity to state unequivocally that we must improve on our oversight functions.

"The inefficiency and corruption in the system, which the various investigation committees have uncovered, could have been reasonably abated if we had carried out our oversight functions exhaustively and effectively. "

According to him, in the course of our oversight functions, some of these incidences could have been either stopped or reduced to the barest minimum.

The Senate President directed all standing committees of the senate to ensure that they submitted their reports for the first two quarters of the year before the senate proceeded on its summer recess.

"In preparing our committee reports, we should look at the capital appropriation released for the first two quarters of the year and weigh it against the implementation of the capital projects. "

On the issue of security, Mark challenged the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the war declared on Nigerians by terrorists and called on security agencies to improve their operational capabilities.

"The current level of insecurity in the country is unacceptable and something must be done to improve on it and very quickly too.

"Clearly, the terrorists have declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians. Escalating acts of terror not only threaten our unity as a nation but challenge the very human values we all believe in.

"Government must therefore explore all avenues to discuss with them and security agencies must intensify their pre operational responsibilities, roles and actions and improve their operational capabilities. "

According to him, their major focus should be on thwarting and preventing the bombings.

Stressing that those unleashing mayhem on Nigerians were their brothers and sisters, he urged Nigerians not to despair or be disillusioned, saying: "we shall overcome through our collective determination".

He said the issue deserved to be tackled with all seriousness and advised against any attempt to politicise it.

"This is the time for concerted action by all Nigerians; ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief notwithstanding.

"Divisive statements or finger pointing are not helpful. Attempts to apportion blame for failures at this time of the burgeoning terror threats will not lead to any practical and long lasting solution. " He gave the assurance that the Senate would work tirelessly to enact laws for the peace, order and good governance of the federation and with the fear of God.