Lar’s legacy will be difficult to emulate – Jonathan

Jonathan says Lar laid the foundation which the ruling PDP had continued to build upon since the beginning of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday said it would be difficult to emulate the legacy of late Solomon Lar, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr. Jonathan, represented by David Mark, the Senate President, made this known at the Order of Commendation Service organised in honour of Mr. Lar at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Mr. Jonathan said Mr. Lar laid the foundation which the ruling PDP had continued to build upon since the beginning of the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

“He will be regarded as the father of the PDP; as the first chairman of the party,’’ Mr. Jonathan said, adding that Mr. Lar’s love for the country was beyond reproach.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, observed that it would be difficult for the nation to bear Mr. Lar’s loss.

Mr. Anyim said Mr. Lar was a generous and compassionate man who lived a remarkable life.

In his sermon, titled: “Words of Warning, Comfort and Direction’’, the Anglican Bishop of Jos, Rt. Rev. Ben Kwashi, said Mr. Lar stood out as an astute politician during his lifetime.

Mr. Kwashi recalled how Mr. Lar, while governor of the old Plateau between 1979 and 1983, instituted a system whereby people benefitted from scholarships and free healthcare services.

“His practice in politics made it easier for people to recognise him going about waving white handkerchief,” Mr. Kwashi said. “He modeled a political activitism second to none.”

In his remarks, Jerry Gana, Chairman of the Solomon Lar Burial Committee, urged all Nigerians to attend some of the activities lined up in honour of the frontline politician.

Mr. Gana, on behalf of Mr. Lar’s family, commended the Federal Government for its support to the family the late politician left behind.

(NAN)