Jonathan receives Solomon Lar’s remains in Abuja

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.