By Moses Gbande
The funeral Mass for Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District late Ignatius Datong Longjan has been held at the St. Louis Catholic Church Jos.
The mass was celebrated by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and Administrator of Jos Archdiocese, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama who described the late Longjan as a humble and godly man that used his opportunities in life for the benefit of others.
Kaigama asked Nigerians to emulate the lifestyle of the Late Longjan who lived a life of simplicity and refused to be lured by the temptation of weath accumulation, arrogance and bigotry.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau described the death of Senator Longjan as a huge loss to the State because he was a unifying factor who preached and practiced politics without bitterness, betrayal and vendetta.
He asked politicians in Plateau State to use the death of Senator Longjan as a period for looking beyond personal and group interests to putting the general interest of the State on the front burner.
He said “our late father demonstrated that in politics, you can serve with dignity, humility and vision without necessarily making others look bad or truncating their interests. We have a duty to work for peace, development and progress of Plateau State as well as unite our people”.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan and other dignitaries eulogised the late Senator who they said remained a thankful and contented man throughout his lifetime.
Senator Lawan said the late Longjan will be greatly missed because he was a pillar and demonstrated maturity and wisdom in responding to national issues on the floor of the red chamber.
Governor Lalong later led other dignitaries to Kwa, in Quan Pan Local Government Area, the home town of late Senator Longjan where his body was finally interred.
The Governor thanked all those who mourned with the State and made sacrifices to give him a befitting farewell.
Nasarawa Reporters 