Dantong: Senate adjourns plenary, to hold valedictory session next week

[DT]

The Senate today observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late Senator Gyang Dantong (PDP, Plateau North) and adjourned plenary to tomorrow.

This followed the adoption of two motions sponsored by Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (PDP, Cross River Central) and seconded by Minority Leader  Senator George Akume (ACN, Benue North-West).

While moving the motions, Ndoma-Egba, in a grieving tone, said: "On July 8, 2012, the Senate and indeed the entire nation received the sad news of the unfortunate death of one of our own, a fine gentleman, two-time senator and former member of the House of Representatives and our chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Gyang Dantong. Today being the first plenary after the sad event, and in keeping with our traditions, I move two motions: first is that we observe a minute silence in his honour. Second, that we adjourn all senate activities to Wednesday, July 11, 2012".

Senate President Mark Mark, also in an emotion-laden voice, said: "We will find a convenient time, after proper arrangements to the family of our distinguished brother and friend, Dr Gyang Dantong, to hold a valedictory session for him sometime next week".

Watch Senator Victor Lar speaking after the session below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbsuDuPorZo

Reps suspend Plenary too

The House of Representatives on Tuesday in Abuja suspended plenary Session in honour of Sen. Gyang Dantong who died on Sunday in Jos.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said the leadership of the House took the decision to suspend plenary session after due consultation with other members.

A minute silence was observed for the late senator and all those who lost their lives at the recent Jos incidence.

"The leadership consulted widely, and came to the understanding that in view of what happened in Jos, (death of Dantong ) we suspend plenary today .''

Sen. Dantong was a former member of the House of Representatives during the fifth Assembly.

Addressing newsmen on the decision taken by the House,  Rep. Zakari Mohammed, Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the decision to adjourn plenary session was on humanitarian ground.

'' We are just being human because the Senator ( Dantong ) did not plan to die that way.''

Zakari, representing ( PDP – Kwara ) said demise of Dantong further brings to question the House concern to the security situation in this country.

He stressed the need to review the approach to handling security situation in the Country.

''We are extending the right signals now that we have to take bold steps to handle the security situation in the country,'' he said.

Daily Trust