Gov Suntai returns, can’t walk unaided
AbujaAs speculated at the weekend, the
Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, returned to the country
yesterday after a prolonged medical treatment in Germany and America due
to injuries he sustained in a plane crash in Yola, Adamawa State in
October 2012.
Suntai, who had been recovering at the Sea View Hospital
Rehabilitation Centre and Home in New York, United States of America,
flew into the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,
Abuja in a chartered aircraft at about noon but journalists were
prevented from speaking with him. Only a few photojournalists were
allowed to take some guided shots.
One of the close associates of the governor, who would not like to be named, told our correspondent that Suntai was helped down from the aircraft, regretting that after 10 months of treatment in both Germany and the USA, he could still not walk on his own.
“The fact is that he is still recuperating because even at the middle of the aircraft, he could not move but muttered some words which were only audible to those close to him,” the source said.
However, after the brief reception, Mr. John Dara, a personal friend to the governor, told journalists in a chat that he had been in touch with him since the accident and had fully been in the picture.
When asked to assess the governor’s situation, Dara said he was excited but explained that after the long flight from America, he was weak and tired.
He however, stressed that Suntai was able to recognize everyone that came around which, according to him, indicated that he was still mentally alert contrary to speculation in some quarters.
On whether he could run the affairs of Taraba State, Mr. Rime Shawulu, also a friend and former NDDC board member, said it would be up to his doctor to determine when he could resume.
“He was prevented from talking to newsmen because he was weak, but when he must have rested, he can talk to journalists. Though doctors say he is okay, he still has physical challenge on his legs.
“When he goes back to Jalingo and maybe transmits a letter to the House, he can resume, but if he cannot, there are constitutional provisions to follow. However, he is not in any competition with his deputy,” Shawulu explained.
As at the time of filing this report, family members and associates were making arrangement for the governor to board another chartered flight to Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
It could be recalled that Governor Suntai’s long absence from the seat of power in the state and his ill health had spurred agitations from some quarters for his removal to enable his Deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar who had been acting, take over control of the affairs of the state as governor.
Those who were at the airport include the deputy governor, some members of the state House of Assembly and friends, relations and sympathizers.
One of the close associates of the governor, who would not like to be named, told our correspondent that Suntai was helped down from the aircraft, regretting that after 10 months of treatment in both Germany and the USA, he could still not walk on his own.
“The fact is that he is still recuperating because even at the middle of the aircraft, he could not move but muttered some words which were only audible to those close to him,” the source said.
However, after the brief reception, Mr. John Dara, a personal friend to the governor, told journalists in a chat that he had been in touch with him since the accident and had fully been in the picture.
When asked to assess the governor’s situation, Dara said he was excited but explained that after the long flight from America, he was weak and tired.
He however, stressed that Suntai was able to recognize everyone that came around which, according to him, indicated that he was still mentally alert contrary to speculation in some quarters.
On whether he could run the affairs of Taraba State, Mr. Rime Shawulu, also a friend and former NDDC board member, said it would be up to his doctor to determine when he could resume.
“He was prevented from talking to newsmen because he was weak, but when he must have rested, he can talk to journalists. Though doctors say he is okay, he still has physical challenge on his legs.
“When he goes back to Jalingo and maybe transmits a letter to the House, he can resume, but if he cannot, there are constitutional provisions to follow. However, he is not in any competition with his deputy,” Shawulu explained.
As at the time of filing this report, family members and associates were making arrangement for the governor to board another chartered flight to Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
It could be recalled that Governor Suntai’s long absence from the seat of power in the state and his ill health had spurred agitations from some quarters for his removal to enable his Deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar who had been acting, take over control of the affairs of the state as governor.
Those who were at the airport include the deputy governor, some members of the state House of Assembly and friends, relations and sympathizers.
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