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20 seconds after prayer my father suddenly died- Senator Zwingina’s son

Published

5 hours ago

October 17, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Political figures, family, and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday to pay tribute to the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina who passed away on October 3, a few weeks after his 70th birthday.

He was remembered and praised for his integrity, excellence, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

The commendation service was marked by an outpouring of tributes from dignitaries who shared fond memories of the former Senate Majority Leader.

In his tribute, the late lawmaker’s first son, Kabrh, reminiscenced on their father’s last moment.

According to him, their father found peace before his passing.

Kabrh said, “I want to give a testimony about his last moments.I called Reverend Tom and said we should meet at the hospital, when we got there, we felt things were off. So, he ( Reverend Tom) led us in prayers of salvation, and forgiveness, and right after that barely 20 seconds later, my dad passed.”

The former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, described Zwingina as a man of vision and excellence.

“This is a very shocking departure,” Gana said, recalling the recent celebration of Zwingina’s 70th birthday.

“I spoke on that day (Zwingina’s birthday) on behalf of friends and colleagues, not knowing our dear friend would leave us so soon.

“Senator Zwingina lived a life of tremendous impact, a life of integrity

He was always ahead of his colleagues with his tremendous capacity to think and lead with initiative.”

Gana also highlighted Zwingina’s role in Nigeria’s political development, especially in the early days of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“He was very close to me when we worked together to restore democracy. He was a leader of thoughts and actions,” Gana added.

Gana emphasised Zwingina’s unwavering dedication to excellence: “Your father, your husband, was a man of honour, integrity, and ideas. He lived a life of excellence, and we are proud of him.”

Also, a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, shared similar sentiments, praising Zwingina’s sharp intellect and memory, which earned him the nickname “encyclopedia” during his time in the Senate.

He said, “I found Zwingina to be someone with impeccable memory.

“He was the Ronaldo, or if you like, Messi, of the Constitutional Amendments debates. He has a knack of remembering things.His departure is a big loss to Adamawa state and the entire country.”

Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, delivered an emotional tribute, reflecting on his long-standing friendship with Zwingina.

He said, “Our paths crossed during our university days, and we remained close ever since.”

“He was a towering figure in the politics of Adamawa State. His wisdom and capacity will be a legacy for future generations. At his 70th birthday, he didn’t show any sign that he would be leaving us so soon.”

Similarly, the former governor of Plateau state, Jonah Jang, also corroborated others stating that the deceased was a man of excellence.

He stated, “I have known Zwingina for over 40 years, I first met him when I was the military governor of Gongola State and we appointed him as the Director General of Mass Mobilization for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery. We have remained friends from then till now.

He was a very hardworking and intelligent man.”

A former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, said that Zwigina was a true Nigerian.

He said, “We worked together in true harmony; he was a true Nigerian. I never knew he was from the North. I know that he is in the bosom of the Lord.”

Also, the President of the Baptist Convention Reverend, Israel Akanji, sang the praises of the deceased and his contributions to the church when he pastored the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja.

He gave several examples of Zwingina’s dedication and generosity towards the things of God.

Some of the dignitaries at the event included: Honorable Dr. Aliyu Hong, former Minister of State for Health; Former SGF, Babachir Lawal; Former Senate President, David Mark; Rt. Honourable James Barka, former Speaker of Adamawa State; Honorable Aminu Umar, a former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly; Honorable Frank Nweke jnr; Senator Binta Garba; andRepresentative of the MKO Abiola Hope ’93 Campaign, Mr. Kayode Komolafe.

Others are; Senator Tunde Ogbeha, former Senator from Kogi State; former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Tha’anda Rubainu; a former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor; Labaran Maku, ex-Minister of Information; Senator Ugochukwu Uba; Senator Patrick Ndubueze; and ex-Minister of the Federal Republic, Senator Udo Udoma.

(Punch Online, excluding headline)

News

Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election

Published

40 mins ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

News

Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.

Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”

In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”

Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”

On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said

News

Delta Police PRO Warns POS Operators, says transactions above N500k can put you in trouble

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has warned Point of Sale (POS) operators to desist from receiving large sums of money on behalf of anyone as they run the risk of being held as accomplices to kidnappers.

The PPRO gave the warning in a post on Thursday, October 17, 2024, when he paraded a female POS operator who allegedly received N4m ransom for kidnappers.

“My message to POS operators, transactions above 500k can get you into trouble. Don’t be a tool for kidnappers to collect ransom. It must be traced to you. She received #4,000,000 ransom from kidnappers and her profit was just #40,000. Can you imagine? Be wise, you may argue that you are doing business, but before your lawyer will get you out, you may spend some time cooling off in prison,” he wrote.