Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA) on Friday called for the immortalisation of Sen. Gyang Dantong and Gyang Fulani, the Majority Leader of the House.
The duo died on Sunday, July 8, 2012 in Maseh village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau, where they had gone to attend a mass burial of those killed in attacks on July 7, by unknown gunmen.
Mr John Dabwan, the Speaker of the House, who made the pronouncement at a valedictory session in honour of Fulani, said that call for their immortalisation was in view of the “supreme price“ they paid for peace in Plateau.
Dabwan, clad in black attire, described the late Fulani as “an extra-ordinary legislator, and an embodiment of peace,” who gallantly fought for the restoration of peace in Plateau till the last minute of his breath.
“Day after day, he used to speak in this hallowed chamber with fear-filled voice, calling on authorities to intervene in the killings of innocent people in his constituency.’’
Dabwan, in an emotionally laden voice, read the brief biography of the two-time legislator and called on the Federal and State governments to close ranks in the restoration of peace in the country.
“This precarious situation has spilled a lot of blood in the society, including those of women and children, the young and old, military and civilians.
“Enough is enough, we have to unite to bring an end to this mayhem.’’
?Mr Timothy Golu, the Chief Whip of the House, said that although the legislator died physically, his spirit lives on with the House for forever because of his “invaluable“ contributions and “what he stood for“.
“I told late Fulani what I am telling you here today that he has never failed in his responsibilities. Today is the first that we are sitting in this house without him.’’
?Golu described him as man whose contributions on the floor of the House were “the most desired and preferred“ because of his “incisive“ and “balanced“ contributions.
?“He was indeed a unifying factor and one who believed in the corporate and peaceful existence and development of Plateau.’’?
Mr Istifanus Mwansa, former Speaker and member representing Pankshin South constituency, also described the late majority leader as “a man who stood and died for truth“.
“Gyang Fulani died as fulfilled man because he died for what he believed in and not just that he died at his duty post while serving his people.
“He was the strongest pillar of the sixth assembly when he was the Chief Whip and I believe his humility and invaluable contributions were what earned him the majority leader of the seventh assembly.''
Mwansat, however, called on the family members of the deceased to look up to God for everything, adding that only Him could protect, provide and guide them in life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the valedictory session was attended by the Plateau State Governor, Dr. Jonah Jang, represented by his Deputy, Mr Ignatius Longjan.
Others were government functionaries, religious leaders, former members of the House and other sympathisers. ?
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