At the First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday, friends, relatives, and political leaders gathered to honor the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina, who died on October 3, just a few weeks after turning 70.
For his honesty, skill, and important contributions to Nigeria’s democratic scene, he was honored and remembered.
A flood of accolades from luminaries who had good memories of the former Senate Majority Leader characterized the commendation service.
Kabrh, the first son of the deceased legislator, paid tribute to him by recalling his father’s final moments.
He said their father was at peace before to his death.
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.”
Zwingina was characterized as a guy of vision and quality by Professor Jerry Gana, the former Minister of Information.
“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 emphasized Zwingina’s contribution to Nigeria’s political evolution, particularly during the PDP’s formative years.
“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.”
Similar opinions were also expressed by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, who praised Zwingina’s keen intellect and memory, earning him the moniker “encyclopedia” while he was a senator.
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.”
Boss Mustapha, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also gave a heartfelt remembrance, recalling his connection with Zwingina over the years.
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.”
In a same vein, Jonah Jang, the former governor of Plateau State, supported the claims of others that the dead was an exceptional man.
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.”
Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President, described Zwigina as a real 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.”
Additionally, while serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, Reverend Israel Akanji, the president of the Baptist Convention, sang hymns honoring the deceased and his contributions to the church.
He provided numerous instances of Zwingina’s commitment to and charity toward God’s goods.
Among the dignitaries attending the event were former Health Minister Honorable Dr. Aliyu Hong, former SGF Babachir Lawal, former Senate President David Mark, former Speaker of Adamawa State Rt. Hon. James Barka, former Taraba State House of Assembly Member Honorable Aminu Umar, Honorable Frank Nweke Jr., Senator Binta Garba, and Mr. Kayode Komolafe, representative of the MKO Abiola Hope ’93 Campaign.
Other individuals include former Kogi State Senator Tunde Ogbeha, former Gombe State Deputy Governor Tha’anda Rubainu, former Edo State Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, former Information Minister Labaran Maku, Senator Ugochukwu Uba, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, and former Federal Republic Minister Udo Udoma.
