Former President of the Senate, David Mark has acknowledged that the problem currently bedeviling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were very difficult to surmount.

Mark in a statement signed by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, said that the problem with the party had remained because the major actors in the peace talks were not coming with open hands.

He stressed however that in spite of the challenges, the party would never die adding that he (Mark), would never leave the party.

“The problems in the PDP remain intractable “because some of the combatants are not coming with an open mind for reconciliation.

“No matter the difficulties and challenges, I will remain in the PDP. I was convinced about the party’s ideology.

“The party’s ideology is to among other things keep Nigeria United, progressive, peaceful and a nation where every citizen is free to live and pursue his or her legitimate ambition without fear of molestation or intimidation in any part before I joined in 1998.

“PDP will come out stronger from this crisis. Those cross carpeting at will, have no direction. They have no respect for political ideology”.

He said that those who were defecting were doing a disservice to democracy adding that the only way to sustain our democratic culture is to be consistent with political ideology instead of dancing to the whims and caprices of any government in power.

On the forthcoming local government elections in Benue state, Senator Mark urged party members to work hard and remain steadfast hoping that the will of the people will prevail.

“I want you to go to the field and work hard for the election. We must say no to any electoral malpractices. You must not allow them to manipulate the process.

“We crave for a free, fair and credible election so that the wish of the people will prevail,” he said.

On the security challenges in Benue state, Senator Mark enjoined the state government to step up and protect lives and properties now endangered.

Source – NAN