Former Senate President, David Mark has described the death of former Deputy Leader of the Senate, Sen. Jonathan Zwingina as a monumental loss to the nation, especially the political class.
Senator Zwingina passed away at the age of 70 on Wednesday after a brief illness in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by his special Adviser on Media, Paul Mumeh in Kano on Friday.
Mark said the deceased was a foremost parliamentarian and scholar who brought his wealth of experience and expertise to bear.
He recalled the pioneering role of Zwingina in the early stages of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, and lamented that a huge vacuum has been created by his exit.
Mark said Zwingina was a pathfinder of sort and a parliamentarian of international repute.
“ Like Cicero, he was a great forensic orator and philosopher. He was an unrepentant democrat. He championed the struggle for democracy, human rights and rule of law.
“As the then Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media, Zwingina used the platform to support the essence of civil rule, freedom and right of the citizens.
“His death has left a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill. We are however, consoled that he lived an eventful and accomplished life worthy of emulation,”he said.
Mark prayed that God in His infinite mercies grant the deceased eternal rest, just as he prayed that God grants the immediate family, government and people of Adamawa the fortitude to bear the loss.