Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed sorrow over the death of a former Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, and said he was a man of peace.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, said the demise of Suntai has robbed the country of a worthy leader and a gentleman.
He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the people and government of Taraba State over the unfortunate incident.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing on of His Excellency, Danbaba Suntai,” Saraki said. “Words fail me to adequately express how deeply sorry I am over this devastating news.
“His outstanding charisma and humility as a politician will be sorely missed. He was a passionate leader who has contributed his quota to the services of humanity. His death is a painful loss to his family, the people of Taraba State and Nigerians at large.
“I extend my sincere condolences to Governor Darius Ishaku, the people and government of Taraba State as well as the Suntai’s family.
“My thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through this moment of grief but with total submission to Almighty God. May God grant them the strength and the fortitude to bear this painful loss and may the Soul of the former governor Rest in Peace. (Amen),” he said.
The Deputy President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said Suntai’s loss was “an incalculable loss not only to the people of Taraba State, but also to the Peoples Democratic Party family, and the nation in general. We had all prayed for his full recovery following the air mishap of October 2012.
“This is a very sad news, for he was a leader that loved his people, for he gave a good account of himself as a politician, public administrator, man of peace, patriot, party man, and nation builder. He will be sorely missed, but like all great men, he is immortalised by his selfless service to God and humanity”.
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark expressed sadness over the death of former governor who he described as a fine gentleman.
Said Mark: ” I am saddened by the demise of the former governor . He was a faithful and dedicated public officer . It is devastating that he is no more.
“Events that led to his demise is painful and regrettable , but we are consoled in the fact that he left a legacy of selfless and unblemished service to his fatherland .
“Suntai was a peace maker who always craved for peace , equity , justice and national unity. He was an astute administrator who left a legacy of development in Taraba state.
“A principled , focused and resourceful governor Suntai , identified with the ordinary people . He made the security and welfare of citizens his Cardinal programme without compromise . He practiced inclusive politics that provided the greatest benefit to the largest number of citizenry”.
In Suntai , Senator Mark stated that the nation has lost a detribalized leader and one of the best managers of our democratic project.
He remarked that Suntai will be remembered as a governor who improved the architectural design and provided the road map for the development of Taraba State.
Senator Mark advised the government and people of Taraba State to build on the legacies of Suntai adding that he left positive footprint on the sand of time . He prayed that God in His infinite mercies grant late Suntai eternal rest and the bereaved the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.