Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Save Democracy Group Africa, Senator Jonathan Zwingina died in an Abuja hospital on 3 October a few seconds after prayers were made for him.
Zwingina, who represented Adamawa South senatorial district between 1999 and 2007, also served the Red Chamber as Majority Leader.
In his tribute to his father during the commendation service at the First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday, the first son of the departed, Kabrh said Zwingina found peace before his passing.
Kabrh said: “I want to give a testimony about his last moments. I called Reverend Tom and said we should meet at the hospital, when we got there, we felt things were off. So, he (Reverend Tom) led us in prayers of salvation, and forgiveness, and right after that barely 20 seconds later, my dad passed”.
A former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana described Zwingina as a man of vision and excellence.
Recalling the recent celebration of Zwingina’s 70th birthday, Gana said: “This is a very shocking departure. 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. He was always ahead of his colleagues with his tremendous capacity to think and lead with initiative”.
Gana also highlighted Zwingina’s role in Nigeria’s political development, especially in the early days of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“He was very close to me when we worked together to restore democracy. He was a leader of thoughts and actions”, Gana added.
He emphasised Zwingina’s unwavering dedication to excellence: “Your father, your husband was a man of honour, integrity, and ideas. He lived a life of excellence, and we are proud of him” the former minister said.
A former Senate President, Dr. Ken Nnamani shared similar sentiments, praising Zwingina’s sharp intellect and memory, which earned him the nickname ‘encyclopedia’ during his time in the Senate.
He said: “I found Zwingina to be someone with impeccable memory. He was the (Cristiano) Ronaldo, or if you like, (Lionel) Messi of the constitutional amendments debates. He had a knack of remembering things. His departure is a big loss to Adamawa State and the entire country”.
Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha delivered an emotional tribute, reflecting on his long-standing friendship with Zwingina.
He said” “Our paths crossed during our university days, and we remained close ever since.
“He was a towering figure in the politics of Adamawa State. His wisdom and capacity will be a legacy for future generations. At his 70th birthday, he didn’t show any sign that he would be leaving us so soon”.
A former governor of Plateau State, Air Commodore Jonah Jang (rtd.) corroborated others, stating that the deceased was a man of excellence.
He said: “I have known Zwingina for over 40 years, I first met him when I was the military governor of Gongola State and we appointed him as the Director General of Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery. We have remained friends from then till now.
“He was a very hardworking and intelligent man”.
A former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara said that Zwigina was a true Nigerian.
He said: “We worked together in true harmony; he was a true Nigerian. I never knew he was from the North. I know that he is in the bosom of the Lord”.
Also, the President of the Baptist Convention Reverend, Rev. Israel Akanji sang the praises of the deceased and his contributions to the church when he pastored the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja.
He gave several examples of Zwingina’s dedication and generosity towards the things of God.
Political figures, family, and friends at the event praised Zwingina for his integrity, excellence, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Dignitaries in attendance included: a former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Hong; a former SGF, Babachir Lawal; former Senate President David Mark; former Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. James Barka; a former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Umar; a former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr; Senator Binta Garba of Adamawa North district; and a representative of the MKO Abiola Hope ’93 Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kayode Komolafe.
