Tributes galore as Taraba Speaker, Tsokwa, goes home

Late Haruna, Taraba Speaker

IT was tribute galore yesterday at the funeral of the former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, as eminent Nigerians took turns to extol his virtues.

Speaking at the occasion which attracted eminent Nigerians from all walks of life, the state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, in an  emotion laden voice, said Tsokwa left when his service to the state  was most needed, adding that he lived exemplary life.

He described the late Tsokwa who was interred in his Takum council,  as a courageous fellow who lived  a life worthy of emulation, stating that “I have seen courage in him, I saw humility in him and he lived his best for all of us.”  He promised that the state government would continue to assist the late Speaker’s family.


In the same vein, the former Minister of Water Resources, Obadiah Ando, described Tsokwa’s death as a “great loss,” noting that the Speaker “left so soon”,  but  said “I am consoled by the life you lived and your contribution to our dear state.”

In his tribute, the leader of the Oodua Peoples  Congress (OPC), Chief Fredrick Fasehun, described the late Speaker as a detribalised leader, beckoning on present leaders to borrow a leaf from him.  According to him: “He stands tall as a  pillar of consistency, courage, fair-play and democracy” , adding “he will forever be remembered as a champion of hope for our nation.”

For Chief Femi Falana (SAN) , the late Speaker died for the unity of the state, stating that “Tsokwa died a great man. He died for the unity, justice, democracy and rule of law. He is another inspiring beacon of hope for Nigeria’s young democracy.”

In his sermon, the presiding pastor, Joseph Ajaver, cautioned the people to desist from attributing the Speaker’s death  to the evil act of his  political associates, stating that no man has the power to take another’s life.”

Taking his Bible reading from the Book of Colossians 3, he observed  that “nobody has control over another man’s life so we should desist from saying that he was killed by some people. “