AS part of the preparatory journey
for the final interment of late pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, late Chief Solomon Lar, President Goodluck Jonathan
yesterday received the remains of the late politician and elder statesman at
the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Represented at the Nnamdi Azikiwe
Airport, Abuja by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,
FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed, President Jonathan who extolled the virtues of
Late Chief Solomon Lar, however described him as a legendary
politician who was an epitome of emancipation, reconciliation and peace.
Speaking yesterday while
receiving the remains of the late elder statesman on behalf of President
Jonathan, Senator Bala Mohammed stressed that he fought gallantly, but
peacefully for the common man.
Describing the late first
civilian governor of old Plateau state as an inspirational leader who stood for
unity and harmony among all Nigerians, the President said, “This great man has
lived and conquered; he is indeed a role model especially for younger
politicians.”
The minister explained that the
president had mandated him to stand in for him at the solemn ceremony because
he (the president) was away in France on a very important state duty.
Others who paid tribute at the
ceremony were Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau state, PDP National
Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and former Information Minister, Professor Jerry
Gana who is also the chairperson of the Solomon Lar Burial Organizing
Committee.
On his part, Professor Jerry Gana
described the late Lar as “the Mandela of Nigeria”. He was a man of firsts: he
was the first PDP National Chairman; the first civilian governor of Plateau
state and several other firsts”, he stated.
There will be an ecumenical service
today at the National Christian Centre in honour of the late politician, while
a memorial lecture will be held in his honour on Monday at the Ladi Kwali
conference hall in Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.
Several dignitaries, clergy, senior
government officials, indigenes of Nasarawa, Bauchi and Plateau states were at
the Airport to receive the remains of Chief Solomon Lar
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