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.
He was remembered and praised for his integrity, excellence, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
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.
“I would like to testify about his final moments,” Kabrh remarked. We felt strange when we arrived at the hospital after I called Reverend Tom and suggested that we meet there. Therefore, my dad passed away just 20 seconds after he (Reverend Tom) led us in prayers of salvation and forgiveness.
The former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, hailed Zwingina as a guy of vision and excellence.
“This is a very shocking departure,” Gana remarked, 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.
“With his amazing ability to think and lead with initiative, he was always ahead of his colleagues.”
Gana also emphasized Zwingina’s contribution to Nigeria’s political evolution, particularly during the PDP’s formative years.
“When we collaborated to bring democracy back, he and I were really close. He was a leader in both ideas and deeds,” Gana continued.
Zwingina’s steadfast commitment to greatness was highlighted by Gana: “Your father, your husband, was a man of honor, integrity, and ideas.” We are proud of him for leading an exceptional life.
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.
“I found Zwingina to have an impeccable memory,” he said.
“He was the Ronaldo, or if you like, Messi, of the Constitutional Amendments debates. He remembers things quite well. Adamawa State and the entire nation are deeply saddened by his departure.
Boss Mustapha, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also gave a heartfelt remembrance, recalling his friendship with Zwingina over the years.
“We crossed paths when we were in college, and we have been close ever since,” he remarked.
“He was a towering figure in the politics of Adamawa State. Future generations will inherit his knowledge and abilities. He showed no indication that he would be leaving us so soon at the age of 70.
Similarly, the former governor of Plateau state, Jonah Jang, also corroborated others stating that the deceased was a man of excellence.
“I have known Zwingina for more than 40 years. We appointed him as the Director General of Mass Mobilization for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery when I was the military governor of Gongola State,” he said. Since then, we have remained friends.
“He was a very intelligent and hardworking man.”
A former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, said that Zwigina was a true Nigerian.
“He was a true Nigerian; we worked together in true harmony,” he remarked. I never knew he was from the North. I am aware that he is in the Lord’s arms.
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 presented various examples of Zwingina’s passion and charity towards the things of God.
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.
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.
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