Reps, Others Extol Lar's Virtues At Valedictory Session

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, December 10, (THEWILL) -  Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Tuesday extolled the excellent qualities of the late elder statesman and first executive governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, describing him as 'an emancipator, who loved and preached peace through the waving of his landmark white handkerchief.' Tambuwal, who made the remarks at a special valedictory session organised by the House of Representatives in honour of the pioneer chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the House, after consulting with the family in conjunction with the Senate and the burial planning committee, led by Professor Jerry Gana, decided to honour Lar. Lar, it will be recalled, was a member of the Federal House of Representatives in the first Republic. According to Tambuwal, Lar left indelible legacies as exemplified in his untiring efforts to bring peace and unity to the country. In his tribute, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, described Lar as an elder statesman and emancipator of the oppressed. He said the late Lar was  'a bridge builder," saying  irrespective of tribal affiliation, "it was not a surprise that Solomor Lar was elected to represent his people at the House of Representatives in the First Republic.' Also paying tribute to the late elder statesman, former PDP chairman, Senator Barnabas Gemade, described Lar as a man of peace and fighter for justice. 'He was no doubt a man of peace. He had a large number of political associates and friends. He founded our party, the PDP and quickly groomed younger generation to take over from him," Gemade said. Former Speaker of the House, Hon. Ghali Umar Na'abba, who spoke on behalf of former principal officers, said Lar had all along struggled for the legislature to attain independence. Others who spoke included the Majority Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola,  Minority Whip, Hon. Samson Osagie (APC, Edo), Senator Victor Lar (PDP, Plateau), Hon. Bitrus Kaze (PDP, Plateau), Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy Senate President, Hon. Ayo Omidiran (APC, Osun), Hon. Andrew Uchendu (PDP, Rivers), Hon. Forte Dike (PDP, Anambra, Hon. Mohammed Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa)and a host of others By Saint Mugaga Abuja