Tears and eulogies poured uncontrollably
yesterday at the obsequies for the former governor of Taraba State,
Danbaba Suntai. Thousands of people gathered at the Jolly Nyame Stadium
in Jalingo, the state capital, and Suntai in Bali Local Government Area
to witness the solemn event.
There was a moving outpouring of
testimonies to his compassionate deeds as countless numbers of people
who were touched by the former governor’s kind gestures gave a teary
account of his charity.
Dignitaries from all walks of life
including the Governors Solomon Lalong (Plateau), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) and
Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) as well as former governor of Benue State,
Gabriel Suswam attended the funeral service held at the Jolly Nyame
Stadium, Jalingo.
Other dignitaries that were on hand to
pay their last respect to Suntai who died on June 28 at his residence at
Orlando, Florida in the United States of America, include the first
Executive Governor of Taraba, Rev. Jolly Nyame, the pioneer military
Governor of Taraba, CP Ambrose Afolahan, Deputy Senate Minority Leader,
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Senator Isa Lau and representatives of the
governors of Adamawa, Benue and Nasarawa States.
Eulogising Suntai, Governor Darius
Ishaku described him as an epitome of humility with a great sense of
humour and passion for the development of the state.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the
entire people of the state to all Nigerians especially those who stood
by the late governor during his trying moments and in death, saying
their show of love was a great source of strength to the family and the
people of the state.
He particularly thanked former President
Goodluck Jonathan and retired General T.Y. Danjuma for their great
efforts towards ensuring that Suntai survived the plane crash he had on
October 25, 2012 saying the family and the entire people of the state
remain eternally grateful to them.
He however urged Suntai’s family and all
his loved ones to be consoled by his legacies and good virtues
stressing that his memory would remain indelible in the minds of the
people of the state especially for what he believed and stood for.
Speaking earlier, Governor Fayose urged
the people of Taraba to imbibe Suntai’s virtues and continue to promote
the good things he stood for while alive, particularly the development
of Nigeria and Taraba. Also speaking, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo said
the late governor meant and did well for the people of the state and was
committed to its progress which was evident in the numerous
developmental strides he made.
The officiating minister at the funeral
service, The Most Rev. Musa Philibus, who took his Bible reading from
Philippians Chapter 1 verse 21 enjoined Nigerians to live a life of
service to humanity, bearing in mind that all must die to give account
of their stewardship.
Philibus, who is the President of the
Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) said there is glory and
happiness in death when we live a life that pleases God.
Suntai was finally laid to rest at 5.15
pm at his country home in Suntai after a brief ceremony which had in
attendance Governor Ishaku, the state deputy governor, Haruna Manu,
Senator Bwacha, Speaker of the State Assembly, Abel Peter Diah and the
State PDP Chairman, Victor Bala Kona.
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