David Mark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Mark
GCON
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| 12th President of the Nigerian Senate | |
| In office 5 June 2007 – 6 June 2015 |
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| Deputy | Ike Ekweremadu |
| Preceded by | Ken Nnamani |
| Succeeded by | Bukola Saraki |
| Senator for Benue South | |
| In office 3 June 1999 – 9 June 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Ameh Ebute (1993) |
| Succeeded by | Abba Moro |
| Governor of Niger State | |
| In office January 1984 – 1986 |
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| Preceded by | Awwal Ibrahim |
| Succeeded by | Garba Ali Mohammed |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 April 1948 Otukpo, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Benue State, Nigeria) |
| Political party | Peoples Democratic Party |
| Residence | Abuja |
| Alma mater | Nigerian Defence Academy |
| Occupation |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark GCON (; born 8 April 1948) is a retired Nigerian Army brigadier general and a politician. A brigadier general is a high-ranking officer in the army. He served as the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015. The Senate President is a very important leader in the Nigerian government. He was also a Senator for Benue South senatorial district from 1999 to 2019. This means he represented his home area in the country's main law-making body. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is a major political group in Nigeria. Before becoming a Senator, Mark was the military Governor of Niger State from 1984 to 1986. He also served as a minister in charge of communications. He holds the record for being the longest-serving President of the Nigerian Senate.
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Early Life and Education
David Mark was born in Otukpo, Benue State, in April 1948. He started his schooling at St. Francis Catholic Practicing School. Later, he attended the Nigerian Military School, which prepares young people for a career in the army. After that, he went to the Nigerian Defence Academy. This academy trains future military leaders.
He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the army in 1970. Just a year later, in 1971, he was promoted to Captain. In 1974, he became the Commandant of Static Communications. This role involved managing important communication systems for the military. In 1976, he took on a political role. He became the Chairman of the Abandoned Properties Implementation Committee in the Eastern region of Nigeria.
Serving as a Minister
David Mark led the Communications Ministry in Nigeria. This ministry was in charge of important services like phone lines and postal services. It oversaw two main organizations: Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
As Minister, Mark focused on making communication services better. He believed that all workers should be productive. He also thought that people who stole telecom cables should face serious punishment. He worked to make sure that phone networks were used efficiently across the country.
Time in the Senate
David Mark was elected as the President of the Senate of Nigeria on June 6, 2007. This is a very important leadership role in the Nigerian government.
In April 2011, David Mark ran for re-election as a Senator for Benue South. He won this election, starting his fourth term as a Senator. He encouraged his opponents to work together for the good of Nigeria.
While leading the review of the Nigerian Constitution, Mark asked his fellow lawmakers to think about the needs of all Nigerians. He wanted them to put the country's interests first. Mark also spoke out about the Nigerian National Football Federation. He suggested that the organization might need to be reorganized to improve its operations.
In September 2018, David Mark made plans to run for the Nigerian presidency. He appointed Zainab Abdulkadir Kure as his campaign manager. Abba Ejembi was chosen as his campaign's spokesperson.
Personal Life and Hobbies
David Mark enjoys playing sports in his free time. His favorite sports include golf, tennis, and squash. He belongs to the Idoma tribe, which is an ethnic group in Nigeria. He is married and has a family.
He owns a country house that even has a special landing area for a helicopter.
Images for kids
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David Mark
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Rank insignia for a Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army
