Lar’s Widow, Mary, At 88, Expresses Worry Over Killings

 Former Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands and widow of the pioneer national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the late Chief Solomon Lar, Prof Mary Lar, has said at the age of 88 years, she feels good but not impressed with certain developments in Nigeria.

 The professor of curriculum development said she was worried about the recurring killings and loss of lives on a daily basis.

Lar spoke with newsmen after her 88th birthday thanksgiving service held at Church of Christ In Nation (COCIN) headquarters in Jos at the weekend.

The matriarch of Lar’s family said she was happy that God spared her life to see today, but said, “I am not happy seeing what is happening in Nigeria currently. So, it is a mixture of joy and bad feelings for me as a person.”

Mrs Lar added, “Although I feel good but at the same time a bit worried about some aspects of our national lives, especially when you look at the way human lives are being wasted and lost all the time. It is a thing of great concern to me as a mother.”

The professor of curriculum development further argued that she aligned with what former President Goodluck Jonathan once said, “In Nigeria, there is no enemy to fight. We are all members of the same country. All we can do is to help one another to develop to the level of progressive nations. 

We are going backward instead of moving forward.”

The former Plateau first lady also pointed out that as “citizens of the country, we cannot walk with our shoulders high in the comity of developed nations,” but said Nigerians are wonderful and intelligent people, adding that governments at all levels should create conducive environment so that the youths can develop their talents.

According to the octogenarian, she wants to see a great change in the country, where people will be free to move around, free to express their minds, free to develop and do new things that will make Nigeria a great nation. 

“Politically, people are not secure in their homes. There is no trust, if only we can be just and fair with one another, the country will be greater than what it is today; we need justice and fairness, a nation where no man is oppressed irrespective of tribe, religion and political difference,” she said.