The body of late pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar yesterday arrived Abuja for final interment in his home town, Langtang in Plateau state.
Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed who received the remains in the early hours of Friday on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja described late Lar as a legendary politician who was an epitome of emancipation, reconciliation and peace.
He stressed that he fought gallantly but peacefully for the common man. He described the late first civilian governor of old Plateau state as an inspirational leader who stood for unity and harmony among all Nigerians.
“This great man has lived and conquered; he is indeed a role model especially for younger politicians”, Bala Mohammed emphasised.
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 include 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 Organising 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.
Today (Saturday), there will be an ecumenical service at the National Christian Centre in honour of the late politician, while on Monday a memorial lecture will be held in his honour 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 where available at the event.