…*PDP, Mark, others, mourn…
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday expressed deep sadness over the death of its pioneer National Chairman and former Governor of Plateau, Chief Solomon Lar.
The party in a statement issued in Abuja described the development as a huge loss to the nation.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the death of the politician has left a big vacuum not only in the party, but in Plateau state and the nation at large.
The party described its pioneer chairman as a quintessential politician and patriot who sacrificed the greater part of his life for the entrenchment of true democracy.
“Our hearts reach out to the Government and people of Plateau state, the millions of PDP family nationwide, but most importantly to his loved ones and immediate family.
“Chief Solomon Lar will be remembered for his insistence on the emancipation of the masses and his white handkerchief.
“That is why he was fondly called the Emancipator.
“PDP members will not forget the image of Chief Solomon Lar on the podium with his white handkerchief singing and dancing to the PDP song.”
The statement said the “PDP at the national level will participate fully in ensuring that Chief Solomon Lar is given a national burial.’’
Also, the President of the Senate, David Mark, described Lar as a builder per excellence, saying Nigeria had lost one of her shining stars.
Mark described the foremost political leader as rare Nigerian who propagated the tenet of democracy.
He said Lar would be remembered for fighting for democracy and enthronement of the people’s mandate against all odds.
“It was Chief Lar who led the group of G-34, which later metamorphosed into today’s PDP that has sustained the democratic rule all Nigerians now enjoy.
“We owe him a great deal of gratitude. He surely has a place of pride in the political history of Nigeria. Lar was a different kind of leader. He put the people and the nation first before self.
“He was an easy going man. He was calculated, gentle and result-oriented leader. Regrettably, the nation has lost one of her shining stars.
“We shall miss his robust contributions to national issues. We shall miss his humour”, Mark said.
The Vice Chairman of the party in Lagos, Mr Ola Apena, said Lar contributed immensely to the growth of the nation, adding that he would be greatly missed.
Apena described the late Lar as an intellectual of repute, a consummate politician, a wonderful net worker, a socialist, a community leader and a devoted Christian.
The former Lagos PDP chairman, Mr Setonji Kosheodo, said the party would miss an honest adviser, a dependable associate, a confidante, a hard working colleague, a sober and peace-loving politician.
The national Chairman of PDM, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashir, described Lar as a nationalist, patriot and a statesman.
Bashir said he would be missed greatly at this stage of democracy especially when the national confab was underway.
“The success of national confab would have been another achievement to the unity of Nigeria.
“Lar was always at hand to provide solutions to all problems arising.
“He would be remembered for his colourful approach to politics. Although his is dead, he lived a good life of legacy.’’