Suntai, others mourn as Taraba speaker dies

Taraba State Governor Danbaba Sunatai

“The late Hon. Tsokwa will be remembered for his ability to stand firm by any cause he believed in and his contribution to the democratic experience in Taraba State.”

Also, then loyalists of Taraba acting Governor, Umar Garba, was engaged in a legal tussle with ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai, over his refusal to accept a letter transmitted  to the state House of Assembly by the governor signifying his intention to resume duties after a 10-month on medical treatment abroad.

It was not immediately ascertained how he died, but our correspondent gathered that he suddenly slumped on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital where he died on Monday.

Chief Press Secretary to the acting governor, Mr. Kefas Sule, confirmed the development to our correspondent  on Monday.

According to him, Tsokwa suddenly took ill and was rushed to FMC, Jalingo.

He said, “What you heard is true. He died this morning at the Federal Medical centre, Jalingo at the age of 47.”

Meanwhile, Suntai  has described Tsokwa’s death as shocking and a colossal loss not just to Taraba State but Nigerian democracy as a whole.

Suntai, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa on Monday, also described Tsokwa as a politician of considerable standing.

The governor said that the speaker died at a time “when Taraba State is confronted with mild political crisis expected in a vibrant democracy such as ours.

“The late Hon. Tsokwa will be remembered for his ability to stand firm by any cause he believed in and his contribution to the democratic experience in Taraba State.”

-punch