Senate President David Mark yesterday described perpetrators of violence and their sponsors as insane.
Mark spoke at the 53rd Independence church service of the St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja.
He urged those carrying out mindless killings as well as their sponsors to reexamine themselves in the interest of all.
He said he dreams of an egalitarian nation with equal opportunities for all and where no man would be denied or oppressed.
Mark, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, also urged Nigerians to strive to do only those things that would unite the country.
He "condemned in a very strong terms" the perpetrators of violence in the country saying "these heartless and mindless killings are disheartening and inhuman. It cannot be a way of life."
In a manner akin to calling for a psychiatric test for perpetrators of violence, he added: "Both those who are perpetrating it and all those behind it need to re-examine themselves. They are insane and truly abnormal.
"As we mark the nation's 53rd Independence, we pray for peace, unity and love among Nigerians."
Mark reflected on the journey so far and harped on the need for love and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
"We also ask God to give us a glorious future. A nation where no one is oppressed. Where those in positions of authority will do it to the best of their abilities and with the fear of God," he said.
He noted that very often Nigerians craves for positions but sometimes undermines the huge responsibility of service to the people.
He said: "We must strive to work for the people and make progress as a nation."
He reminded Nigerians especially those in positions of leadership that leadership is a divine mandate that demands humility, service to God and society and not in the reverse order.
In his homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Innocent Jooji, noted that Nigeria is a divine project and must not in any circumstances be destroyed.
Fr. Jooji prayed God to touch the hearts of the perpetrators of all kinds of violence and asked those fanning the embers of war or disunity to make U- Turn.
He said he is hopeful that God in His infinite mercies would redeem Nigeria from the clutches of evil men, enthrone good governance and make the economy prosperous to the benefit of the people.
