Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and Peoples Democratic Party have expressed their sadness over the death of former Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, and said he was a man of peace.
In different statements issued, the former governor was described as a peaceful man who would be sorely missed.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, said the demise of Suntai had 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.
Commiserating with the family of the deceased, Taraba Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Victor Bala, described Suntai’s death of as a great loss to the people of the state.
Reacting to the news of the ex-governor who died on Wednesdayin the U.S., Bala said Suntai’s name would be written in gold as a peaceful and hardworking governor.
According to the party chief, Suntai brought great development to the state during his six years as governor.
He said the former governor would also be remembered for his political maturity in handling the affairs of the state.
“He carried everyone along irrespective of their religious, political or ethnic affiliations,” he said.
Also, the Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, described the death of the former Governor of Taraba, Mr Danbaba Suntai, as a great loss to the nation.
Ekweremadu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Mr Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja said Suntai gave a good account of himself as a politician, public administrator and party man.
He said: ”This is an incalculable loss not only to the people of Taraba, but to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family, and the nation.
”We had all prayed for his full recovery following the air mishap of October, 2012.
”This is a very sad news because he was a leader that loved his people, gave a good account of himself as a politician, public administrator, man of peace, patriot, party man, and a nation builder.
”He will be greatly missed, but like all great men, he is immortalised by his selfless service to God and humanity.”
Ekweremadu condoled the family of the late politician, government and people of Taraba.
NAN recalls that Suntai was involved in a plane crash in Oct. 25, 2012 when a private aircraft he piloted himself crashed in Yola.
Suntai was born in June, 30, 1961 at Suntai Town in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba.
He attended the Federal Government College, Kano from 1975 to 1980 and the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from 1980 to 1981.
He was later admitted to the same ABU to read Pharmacy and graduated in 1984.
He did his internship at Yola Specialist Hospital and his National Youth Service at the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta in Ogun State from 1985 to 1986.
He then worked at the General Hospital, Ganye in old Gongola State.
Suntai was elected and headed the Bali Local Government as the Chairman from 1989 to 1993.
Joining the Taraba Civil Service, he was Director-General of the Taraba Ministry of Agriculture and National Resources from 1994 to 1996.
In the 1999 elections, he was the state chairman of the All People’s Party (APP) when the PDP narrowly defeated the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).
In 2000, he became the Chairman of Taraba State Investment and Properties Ltd.
He was the Commissioner for Education between 2000 and 2003 and worked at the Ministry of Health from 2003 to 2005 before becoming Secretary to the Taraba State Government from 2005 to 2007.
He was elected governor under the PDP in 2007 to become the second executive governor of the state.
The late former governor was involved in an air crash while flying his aircraft to Yola and has since been moving from one hospital to another for treatment.
