Former Senate President, David Mark has described as baseless, an accusation by the Federal Government that he purchased his house in Apo Legislative Quarters Abuja illegally.

Background:

The Federal Government had said the official mansion was illegally converted to a private residence by Mark.

The mansion was his official residence while he was Senate President.

It added that the property was not listed for sale by the government.

What Mark said:

In a statement on Tuesday, Mark said the EFCC was chasing shadows because he duly bought the property in line with the Federal Government’s monetisation policy.

He said, “I had the right of first refusal. Even if I did not purchase it, someone else would have. I am a law-abiding citizen. I did not flout any law. Curiously, four houses occupied by the then presiding officers of the National Assembly were offered to the occupants.

“ All of us – I, as the then President of the Senate; the Deputy Senate President , Ike Ekweremadu; the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; and his deputy, Bayero Nafada – were given the same offer. I am at a loss as to why it is now a subject of contention.

“If this persecution is about politics, my political party and the 2019 elections, I dare say that only God and Nigerians would decide. No amount of persecution would alter the will of God.

“I had refrained from commenting on this because it is already in court. But they have taken the matter to the court of public opinion.”

More investigations needed:

Mark’s statement that all four principal lawmakers were offered the houses to buy is a something to note.

This is because the Federal Government had claimed that the properties where principal officials lived were not put on sale.

But the former Senate President has said his other colleagues were also offered the same deal he is being investigated for.

This calls for concern.