Taraba Gov. Suntai returns, arrives Jalingo

 

Taraba State Governor, Dambaba Suntai has arrived the country after about 10 months of receiving medical treatment abroad.

Among dignitaries who waited for his arrival were , former National Transformation Party NTP, Presidential candidate, John Dara, former Minister for Sport, Damishi Samgo, Minister of State for Niger Delta, Taruq Isiaku and other well wishers.

The Governor arrived at about 1:15pm on Sunday at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja aboard a chattered flight.He was brought to the local wing of the NAIA in a black Toyota jeep though; reporters had difficulties with security men and were prevented from gaining entrance into the premises except photojournalists and cameramen.

On arrival at the local wing, Suntai waved at the few people that came to welcome him, looking healthy and hearty but seems not have enough strength to walk on his own.

Before his arrival, there were speculations if he would make it back to the country and probably resume office.

In his remark, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, Prof. Jerry Gana.Gana described him as being healthy. He said he was fit to resume office and perform his administrative functions.

According to the former Minister, there are people who govern through wheel chair so managing the State will only involve good thinking.

Gana said: “After such a long flight, he is fine and we thank God he has arrived safely. He is very sound, we thank God. But because of the fatigue of travelling about in the morning, he is going to board the next flight to Jalingo. We are delighted. We thank God; governance doesn’t mean he will be running around. It is thinking. There are those who are governing even on wheel chairs.”

An associate of the governor, Mr. Rima Shawulu admitted that the Governor may need more medical attention.

“As you saw, he has critical challenge at his leg in terms of strength to walk but from my observation, he is okay.”

Shawulu stated that the governor could decide to resume office anytime from Monday depending on his decision.

According to him, Suntai had appointed his deputy to manage daily affairs of the State while away from office. Thus, he would not need to undergo any rigorous process before resuming office.

“When he gets back to the State, there are constitutional provisions for you to take over or to be disengaged. If he gets to Jalingo today and he transmit a letter to the State Assembly through the Speaker that he has arrived, that is all. He will take over the function.

“I don’t see why there should be any challenge. He appointed a deputy governor who is acting. The deputy Governor is not in competition with him. The deputy governor has not told anybody that he wants to take over as the Governor. There are constitutional provisions for when someone becomes too sick to function. There are provisions when you don’t like somebody and his function, the house of assembly will remove,” he added.

However, Shawulu, who was former Board Member of Niger Delta Development Corporation NDDC representing the North-East, lauded the governor for his safe arrival.

In his remarks, Dara restated that the Governor was fit to run the State. He added that the decision to resume office will largely depend on recommendations from his personal doctor.

Though, he admitted he was weak and tired but he is mentally active to make appropriate decisions.

 “What is clear is that after the long holiday from America, he was obviously weak and tired but we are thrilled by the fact that he recognized each and everyone of us by name which shows mentally alert, he is lucid. And that itself, it’s a clear indication that he is capable of running the affair of Taraba State as Governor.

“We have no doubt in our mind that when the Governor get to Jalingo later today, it will be up to his doctor who is accompanying him to see whether he will resume today or a couple of days from now but he is okay able to function,” Dara said.

Asked why Suntai refused to talk to press, he said: “normally, talking to press can be spontaneous or organized, he felt that when he has rested there, it will be easier for him to address the press and more logical way.”

...Arrives Jalingo

...May govern from wheelchair

Taraba State Governor, Captain Danbaba Danfulani Suntai has arrived the state capital Jalingo.

He left the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home in New York the previous night and first landed in Abuja at the old wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, at about 1.10p.m before he was flown to Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.

Suntai landed at the Jalingo Airport at about 3:40p.m. He was conveyed in a chattered white airplane marked 5N-12Y.

Before then two advanced planes (also white coloured), marked N224BA and 5NBMR first landed at the state’s airport at 2:58pm and 3:37pm respectively.

Security was very tight.

As the plane conveying the governor landed, his wife, Hajiya Suntai first entered the plane apparently to greet her husband.

Suntai’s deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, who has been holding the fort also went in to the plane and greeted his boss. He came out.

Suntai then alighted from the plane –assisted by his wife into a red Range Rover –Sports HSC. The car had no registration number.

Suntai waved at the people briefly. His body looked healthy but weak and tired.

The governor was clad in a navy black suit with a blue strip shirt, without a tie on.

He did not speak to the crowd; either he spoke to journalists there. But reporters were allowed to cover him even at close range amid the tight security.

His natural fair skin complexion was radiant –unlike when he was pictured some months ago in the German hospital.

The governor was conveyed in the red Range Rover –Sports HSC straight to the Government House, Jalingo.

In the vehicle, he sat with his wife at the back row, him in the honour (right) seat.

The glasses were wind down and he waved –with his hand inside the car, at the mammoth crowd along the road. People who saw him were shouting “ya dawo”, meaning he has come.

Others said “shi ne”, meaning he is the one.

Others did not catch a glimpse of him due to the tight security presence and huge crowd.

Security personnel were seen escorting the governor’s car on foot.

Truckloads of security men –police and the army were in front and behind of the governor’s car, to lead and guard.

The Deputy Governor’s car and a few other vehicles followed.

From the airport, they drove Suntai through the Road Block, enroute Hammaruwa Way via Barde Way into the Government House.

By virtue of his return yesterday, Umar ceases to operate in the capacity of acting governor.

It also means Suntai has reclaimed his seat.

Suntai’s return into the Government House, Jalingo also put to rest the succession saga that has been heating up Taraba in the last 10 months.

Indications also emerged that the Governor may resume office as soon as he gets settled, even if from the wheelchair, according to  former Minister of information and Peoples Democratic Party PDP Chieftain, Prof. Jerry Gana.