I bought Senate President’s official residence legally – Mark

Former Senate President, David Mark, has described the claim by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he acquired his former official residence in Abuja illegally as false and baseless.

Mark told journalists in Abuja that the EFCC or any other agent of government are chasing shadows because the property was duly offered for sale, bided for, and he purchased like any other person would in line with Federal Government’s Monetization 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 National Assembly were offered to the occupants. All of us, me as the then President of the Senate, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and his Deputy Bayero Nafada were all 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 the law Court. But they have taken the matter to the Court of public opinion.”