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The family of former Senate Majority Leader, Jonathan Zwingina, has announced the burial plans for the late lawmaker, who died on 3 October 2024, aged 70.
Zwingina was the Director-General of the MKO Abiola Campaign Organisation during the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
In a statement signed on behalf of the family by the former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, and the former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku-led funeral committee, Zwingina will be buried on 22 October in his hometown of Guyuk, Adamawa State, following a funeral service.
According to the statement, the funeral rites will commence in Abuja on Wednesday evening with a commendation service at First Baptist Church, Garki.
“This will be followed by a Night of Tributes on Thursday at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro. On 21 October, there will be a Night of Commendations and Tributes in Yola.”
The burial committee, in the statement, highlighted Zwingina’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, which spanned several sectors of the nation’s life.
“He was a scholar, technocrat, public servant, and politician of high repute. He left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
“He was a leading voice in the struggle for democracy and was the Director-General of the late MKO Abiola’s Hope ‘93 Campaign Organisation during the iconic June 12, 1993, presidential election. His intellectual depth, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals resonated deeply with Nigerians.
“Following the return to democratic rule, Sen (Dr) Zwingina was elected twice to represent the good people of the Southern Senatorial District of Adamawa State. During his time in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from 1999 to 2007, he served as the Senate Deputy Majority Leader of the 4th Assembly.
“Due to his extensive experience in public service, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works and Housing. He also served as a member of Senate Committees on Information; Establishment; Internal Affairs; Special Projects; Privatisation and Economic Affairs.
“In the Senate, he was a vocal advocate of due process and a promoter of national development priorities, with particular emphasis on policy, good governance, and the oversight role of the parliament in holding the government accountable to the people.
“Before his time in the National Assembly, Sen (Dr) Zwingina played a pivotal role in shaping national discourse as a Director of the Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice, Self-Reliance, and Economic Recovery Programme during President Ibrahim Babangida’s military administration.”
