Ex-President Jonathan urges politicians to emulate Lar’s attributes
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has urged politicians to emulate the political attributes of inclusion, sacrifice and selflessness, for which Plateau’s first civilian governor, the late Chief Solomon Lar was renowned.
Jonathan gave the charge at the public presentation of a book titled, ‘Chronicles of the Rainbow,’ and the inauguration of the Solomon and Mary Lar Leadership Institute, in Abuja on Thursday.
The book is an autobiography written by the late Lar, who was the pioneer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in collaboration with his age-old friend, Sheikh Mohammed Abdallah.
The former president, who was the chairman of the event, said that stakeholders in Nigerian politics had so much to learn from Lar, whom he described as a sincere statesman, who played politics of inclusion, honesty, courage and patriotism.
“As we head towards the 2023 general elections, I will urge that we all, as critical stakeholders, whether as candidates or voters, embrace the principles of the late Chief Solomon Lar’s politics of inclusion, bridge-building, unity and accommodation.
“If we had continued in the same political trajectory promoted by the likes of Chief Lar in the second and third republics, our country would have been better off in terms of our unity, peace and pace of development.
“Chief Lar offered love in place of bitter and divisive politicking, built bridges to cement the cracks in our unity and showed courage in the face of injustice and military dictatorship.
Jonathan recalled that Lar was the only governor from the North in the Second Republic, who contested and won election on the platform of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), a party that had the South as its stronghold.
The former president said that Lar’s stance and subsequent victory alone epitomised his character and disposition as a bridge builder and advocate of national unity.
Jonathan further said the fact that Lar, being a Christian, co-authored his own biography with an Islamic cleric, spoke to the boundless nature of his broadmindedness, spirit of tolerance and religious understanding.
“Sadly, we are now playing the kind of politics that Chief Lar detested.
Issues around ethnicity, religious bigotry, hate speech and personal attacks, rather than principles and policies affecting the lives of Nigerians, have continued to dominate political discourses around the country, as political parties begin their campaigns.
“There is no country that has made meaningful progress in the face of deep ethnic and religious division as is being experienced in our country today.
“I urge today’s politicians who are seeking to occupy different elective offices across the nation, as well as leaders and promoters of the various political parties to learn from the likes of Chief Solomon Lar, who played politics of sacrifice and selflessness, in the interest of the people,” he said.
Jonathan said it would have been inconceivable if Lar, the well-loved, charismatic politician, had exited the world without directly sharing the experiences of his enviable political behavior with Nigerians.
“With this book, he has given Nigerians an invaluable gift, which I see as bearing interesting perspectives on Nigeria’s march to democracy and development.
“And what a time to publicly present this important book than now that the nation is again embarking on another democratic expedition, especially as the political temperature is already rising,” he added.
Also speaking, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, described the late Lar as a politician whose passion for the people remained paramount throughout his political era.
Mustapha who unveiled on behalf of the president the autobiography and the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation and Institute in honour of Lar,, said that Lar was uncompromisingly committed to democratic ideals while alive and left behind worthy enduring legacies that were worthy of emulating.
PDP National Chairman, Sen Iyorchia Ayu noted that the timing of the event was apt, as it took place at a time that political activities were in top gear in the country.
Ayu said that it was an opportunity to reflect on the ideals which Lar stood for, defended, lived and died for, especially as a key player in the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
Prof Mary Lar, the deceased’s widow, expressed her delight for the honour done to her husband who she said stood for unity, love and selflessness throughout his political career, adding that the foundation and institute would pursue Lar’s ideals and sustain his legacies.
