Ailing Suntai Marks One Year Accident Anniversary In Church

The recuperating Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, caused an emotional scene when he stormed the Unity Chapel Church (UCC) in Government House, Jalingo for thanks giving at the weekend.

Suntai was pronounced dead when an aircraft he piloted crashed near Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Thursday, October 25 last year.

He spent 10 months in Germany and United States hospitals for treatment, returning on August 25.
He wrote the House of Assembly of his readiness to resume duty but was stopped by the lawmakers on health grounds.

Last Friday was exactly one year since the governor and his Aide de Camp (ADC) Iliya Dasat, Chief Detail Joel Danladi and Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana who were also on board the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft survived the air mishap.

The three aides who were treated in Germany were with the governor during the thanksgiving service. Also accompanying the governor were his wife Hauwa, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) GT Kataps and Chief of Staff, Aminu Jika, among other aides.

Suntai’s thanksgiving ceremony, according to the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), came a few days after he went out for a fishing expedition to shake off officialdom.

The congregation was all tears on seeing him. The tears of joy followed  the governor’s speech, which turned out to be the morning sermon for the worshipers.

“I thank God that I survived the air crash to see this day. I am happy to reunite with you again,” Suntai said.
He thanked Taraba residents for their prayers on him which he said have helped him.

The governor preached forgiveness and asked everybody whom he said he may have offended to forgive him.

“Do not hold anything against your enemy or anyone at heart. For me and my family, we have forgiven all our adversaries,” he said.

Suntai said what God has done and shown him, even if he drops dead today (on Friday) he would die a fulfilled mortal.