Botmang, former Plateau governor, dies at 76

The deceased had a protracted battle with kidney disease before his demise.

A former governor of Plateau State, Michael Botmang, is dead. This was confirmed by his son, Dadung Botmang.

Dadung said his father died at his place of birth in Zawan, Jos South Local Government of Plateau at about 2 a.m. on Saturday after a long struggle with kidney disease.

He said his father’s corpse had been deposited at the mortuary of the Air Force hospital, Jos.

Dadung further said that arrangements were being made by the family members to give the late politician a befitting burial.

Mr. Botmang was the deputy governor during the administration of former governor Joshua Dariye, before he took over as governor after the state House of Assembly impeached Mr. Dariye.

He ruled the state as governor for six months before a court annulled Mr. Dariye’s impeachment, describing it as illegal.

He handed over to Governor Jonah Jang on May 29 2007, at the Rwang Pam township stadium in Plateau State.

Mr. Botmang died at the age of 76, leaving behind his wife Lydia Botmang, and children.

He attended St Williams Primary School Zawan; Senior Primary School, Aloche Akwanga; and College of Mary Immaculate, Kafanchan.

Mr. Botmang was a school teacher in Jos from 1958 to 1963.

He joined NTC as salesman in 1964 and rose to the position of General Sales Manager until 1989 when he voluntarily retired.

His first stint as a political office holder was when he served as deputy governor to Mr. Dariye.