By Mark Mayah
This stark reality is especially daunting when it affects endearing memories of an exemplary relationship with an outstanding mentor and leader. It is in this context that we find ourselves having to remember our own late Chief (Dr) Solomon Daushep Lar, CON, LLD, Walin Langtang, our leader and political mentor.
As with all great men whose life and times touched the lives of so many in positive ways, there can be no dearth of tributes and commemorative accolades for Chief Solomon Lar. For each and every tribute paid to this great Nigerian is a genuine testimony to the extent to which he strove to make his beneficial impact on people and institutions across the length and breadth of this nation.
We, therefore humbly identify with all the passionate acknowledgements that have been registered in various ways to appreciate the life and leadership of Chief Solomon Lar; the teacher, the peoples’ lawyer, the public servant, the politician, the emancipator, the political leader.
In remembering Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, so many memorable events should run through our minds which highlight the unique human virtues and sterling leadership qualities that God Almighty endowed him with and inspired him to bring to the fore in serving humanity.
Solomon Lar was outstanding in character and remarkable in his relationship with people of all walks of life, including great leaders such as late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa whose secretary he was.
He also had a special interest in the plight of the commoners, particularly in uplifting them from their downtrodden and oppressed status. This saw him co-founding the nation’s Legal Aid Council as its first Secretary. Such enviable virtues as humility, patience, goodwill, compassion, generosity and fairness were gracefully exhibited in good faith wherever Chief Lar made his presence felt and all who came across him were awed to the point of admiration and loyalty.
It was hardly surprising that he was at the forefront of the struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country after prolonged military rule. He emerged the popularly accepted leader and first National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Many of us were privileged to have the opportunity of knowing and working closely with Chief Lar and we are full of gratitude to Almighty God for this cherished and long standing association with the great Baba Lar, as we fondly called him. It was a most beneficial relationship for which we remain eternally indebted, particularly for his fatherly guidance, wise counsel.
The emancipation policy was a huge success that spread quickly across the state and later to other parts of the country, especially the North.
The success of this policy was attributable to the commitment and determination of Chief Lar as Executive Governor and policy maker.
The great Lar will always be remembered as a rare breed of honest and sincere politician whose word was his bond.
He dutifully kept the campaign promises he made. He was exceptionally accommodating and forgiving towards all and displayed the courage of conviction by taking responsibility for all actions of his government.
Chief Lar was also selflessly generous and compassionate about the plight of the voiceless and upholding justice and fairness at all times. Indeed, he was a visionary and inspirational leader par excellence.
If he was such a good man and a worthy leader to all who came across him in various ways and at all levels, one can only imagine the grief and heart-rending remembrance that has gripped his family members, particularly his humble and dutiful wife, Professor Mary Lar, his children and the Tarok community of which he was undoubtedly a great son and leader.
Although he is no longer with us, his indelible legacies will surely keep his memorable life and times alive till the end of time.
With a heavy heart we say Live on!: Chief (Dr) Solomon Daushep Lar, CON, LLD, Walin Langtang. Live on! Na Mary Babban Gwamna. Live on! Na Mary Gwamnan Gwamnoni. Live on! Distinguished statesman and political icon. Live on! The Peoples Emancipator.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Mayah is a seasoned journalist
