Mantu’s love for his people, state will remain indelible – Sen. Jang

Former governor of Plateau, Sen. Jonah Jang, says the love late Sen. Ibrahim Mantu had for his people and Plateau will remain indelible in the history of the state.

Jang said this in his reaction to the demise of the elder statement who died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 74.

The former governor said the deceased was a peacemaker and a true Plateau patriot throughout his life.

He said: “I received with deep sense of sorrow, the passing of my brother, former Deputy Senate President, Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Mantu.

“Late Mantu was a brave and courageous Plateau elder statesman who stuck in neck for the interest, growth of the state, not only during his reign as Deputy President of the Senate but throughout his entire political career.

“He distinguished himself in politics such that he became a household name whenever the politics of Plateau and Nigeria was a subject of discussion.

“He is reputed to have stood for and supported any Plateau man who aspired for anything at the national level.

“His love for the state and for his people will remain indelible in the history of our dear state,” he said.

Jang also described Mantu as a very loyal, dedicated and committed party man who remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until his demise.

He said that at a time where it was the practice to leave one party for the other to satisfy inordinate political ambitions, Sen. Mantu remained a one party man.

According to him, Mantu had shown that ambition does not override loyalty and commitment to the ideals and tenets that one should hold dear, even in the face of loss of political power.

“The late senator had risen to greater heights in his political career, yet, were an embodiment of humility, a devout Muslim, community leader and a father to many.

“His enormous contributions to the development of his people, Plateau and the nation at large will forever be cherished and remembered.

“He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and the vacuum he left behind will be difficult to fill, not just in Pyem land, Plateau but the nation at large.

“On behalf of my family and those who worked closely with him and benefitted from his magnanimity and camaraderie, I pray that the Almighty God grant him eternal rest,” he said.

Jang also prayed to God to give the entire family, the courage and fortitude to bear the irreparable and painful loss.