Politics, vocation for gamblers, says Maku, Ex-Information Minister
…Hails Jonathan at 40th birthday bash
The Assemblies of God Church (AGC) Gbazango-Kubwa in Bwari area council of Abuja was thrown into a fanfare, Sunday, when a blossoming hotelier, Hon. Markus Umbugu Jonathan, held a lavish 40th birthday thanksgiving party.
The expansive church auditorium which hosts the Abuja Central District of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, had in attendance a former Minister of Information/Coordinating Minister of Defence, Hon. Labaran Maku, serving member representing Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Hon. Prince Ayuba Aboki Zaku Dampar (PhD), representatives of the Nasarawa State Governor – elect, Hon. David Umbugadu, traditional rulers, friends and business associates of the celebrant.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon Labaran Maku counselled Markus to shun the temptation to be lured into partisan politics, saying the domain is for ‘gamblers’.
“Markus came to me twice, and insisted I must be physically present at the thanksgiving service. First, he came to drop the invitation, and yesterday, he came to remind me of the programme; and I told him, ‘you must not be dragged into politics’.
“Politics is a vocation for gamblers like us. Even those you know are not with you will come to you, and you will give them money. I told him, all of us cannot be in politics. You are a reference point; your‘re the best in this community. The greatest place is the market place. Stay in your career, and you can become godfather to politicians as a businessman,” he said.
Prince Zaku Dampar who chaired the ceremonies, praised the ingenuity of Hon Markus Jonathan in business and public relations, both of which the mogul has deployed to entrepreneurship.
The lawmaker also commended the wife, Gladys Ezinne Markus, for being a pillar of support.
Dampar described 40 both as a remarkable age and period in life, noting that the hotelier prepared his roadmap for success early in life; advising upcoming entrepreneurs to emulate the hard work, patience and focus of Markus Jonathan.
Reading the celebrant’s abridged biography at the event, the Executive Director Global Health Disease Control Institute, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Akyala Ishaku described Markus Jonathan as a goal-getter whose business tenacity has raised a number of youths within and around Nasarawa State.
“The CEO of Paradise Dec International Hotel, Lafia, Hon Markus Jonathan is role model who has shown the light to over 200 youths and provided direct jobs to over 100 in and around Nasarawa State.
“And this is besides his infectious philanthropy. The celebrant has been paying for WAEC and JAMB forms of indigent youths in and around his community. He has a lifestyle of service and Godliness,” Akyala stated.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the outgoing Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Nasarawa State Chapter, Rev. Ayuba Godiya; Dcn Ibeh Anaekperechi, Igbudu Ugada and the host Minister, Rev. Sunday Asuata.
