Tributes As Ex-Senate Leader, Zwingina, Dies At 70

Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina, a distinguished former Leader of the Senate, has passed away at 70.

A veteran democrat, Zwingina represented Adamawa South in the Senate from 1999 to 2007.

During his tenure, he held several significant roles, including chairman of various Senate Committees, such as Works, Internal Affairs, Special Projects, and Privatisation.

His leadership and dedication to public service were hallmarks of his career.

Zwingina was also the director-general of the MKO Abiola Campaign Organisation during the June 12, 1993, presidential election, a testament to his commitment to democratic values in Nigeria.

Born in Adamawa State, Zwingina was a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as his political journey evolved.

His career was not without challenges: during Nasir el Rufai’s tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Zwingina’s Abuja residence was controversially demolished on the reason that he was occupying an unapproved plot.

Beyond his political roles, Zwingina served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Save Democracy Group Africa, which advocated for democratic principles and governance in Nigeria.

Senator Zwingina will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to democracy and influential contributions to Nigerian politics throughout his career. .

Meanwhile, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the Adamawa State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, has expressed grief at Zwingina’s death.

Jonathan Zwingina, who became a Senate Majority leader while serving as senator representing Adamawa South Zone (1999-2007), died in Abuja late Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Senator Binani, in a condolence message on Thursday, October 3, described the late elder statesman as one of the politicians who had Nigeria’s interest at heart.

“With a heavy heart, I mourn the death of Distinguished Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina, PhD. Senator Zwingina distinguished himself in the service of the people of Adamawa State and the country,” Binani stated.

Binani said she learnt from Zwingina’s vast wealth of experience from her days at the House of Representatives up to the 2023 general elections when Zwingina led a team to galvanise support for her candidacy at the general elections.

On his part, the incumbent senator representing Adamawa Central District, Aminu Iya Abbas, also expressed regret over Jonathan Zwingina’s death.

Aminu Iya Abbas expressed his sadness in a condolence message sent through his Yola Media Office.

Abbas prayed to God to forgive Senator Zwingina’s shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest.

Senator Zwingina was said to have died at his home in Abuja from an undisclosed illness.