Political figures, family, and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, on Wednesday to pay tribute to the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina who passed away on October 3, a few weeks after his 70th birthday.
He was remembered and praised for his integrity, excellence, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
The commendation service was marked by an outpouring of tributes from dignitaries who shared fond memories of the former Senate Majority Leader.
In his tribute, the late lawmaker’s first son, Kabrh, reminiscenced on their father’s last moment.
According to him, their father 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.”
The former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, described Zwingina as a man of vision and excellence.
“This is a very shocking departure,” Gana said, recalling the recent celebration of Zwingina’s 70th birthday.
“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 People’s 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.
Gana 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.”
Also, a former Senate President, 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 was the Ronaldo, or if you like, Messi, of the Constitutional Amendments debates. He has 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, 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.”
Similarly, the former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, also corroborated others stating that the deceased was a man of excellence.
He stated, “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 Mobilization 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, 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.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included: Honorable Dr. Aliyu Hong, former Minister of State for Health; Former SGF, Babachir Lawal; former Senate President, David Mark; Rt. Honourable James Barka, former Speaker of Adamawa State; Honorable Aminu Umar, a former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly; Honorable Frank Nweke jnr; Senator Binta Garba; and Representative of the MKO Abiola Hope ’93 Campaign, Kayode Komolafe.
Others were; Senator Tunde Ogbeha, former Senator from Kogi State; former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Tha’anda Rubainu; a former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor; Labaran Maku, ex-Minister of Information; Senator Ugochukwu Uba; Senator Patrick Ndubueze; and ex-Minister of the Federal Republic, Senator Udo Udoma.
