Prominent Nigerians have gathered in Abuja, the nation’s capital, for a commendation Service held to honour the late Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (Rtd).
The Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao described the late Suleiman as a mentor whose lifetime achievements were sources of inspiration.
He also described him as one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Air Force whose contribution to the development of the service remained a focal point of reference.
Air Commodore Amao said that “during his sojourn on earth, Air Commodore Suleiman displayed admirable wisdom, diligence and dedication to service to humanity.”
He noted that Air Commodore Suleiman made a landmark achievement in his public service as a seasoned fighter pilot, military strategist, a staunch advocate of air power and contributed immensely to the development of Airpower in the Nigerian Air Force.
The Air Chief said that “they look up to him as an exemplary military strategic leader.”
According to him, his contribution to the Nigerian Air Force operation in the fulfilment of Nigerian National Security imperatives enduring would forever be remembered.
He noted that the shocking news of his death, which occurred on 1st February 2023 was a solemn reminder to each of them of the inevitability of death.
The Air Chief noted that for these reasons, they celebrate the selfless service, quality life and glorious exit of the amiable the Late Commodore and his legacy would remain.
The Former Minister of Defence and Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma said the Late Suleiman and him have had very close deaths during their service and they survived.
He said that “the Late Suleiman was special to him.”
The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revered Israel Akanji preached the message titled, “Abide with Us, saying it was the wish of the Late Commodore that people should abide with God by giving their lives to Christ.
Testimonies were given by friends, colleagues, church and family members about the life and times of the Late Commodore.
The Commendation Service were Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Elien Clark Representative, Former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, and Chief of Air Staff with full branches of Nigerian Air Force among others.
The Late Air Commodore Dan Suleiman was among the pioneer Military Officers Commission to form the Nigerian Air Force. He was a member of General Murtala Muhammed’s Supreme Military Council between July 1975 and March 1976 and was military governor of Plateau State from March 1976 to July 1978 after it had been created from part of the old Benue Plateau State. After the return to democracy in 1999 in the Nigerian Fourth Republic, Suleiman became Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), a socio-political group representing the people of the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
He was appointed to the cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon in January 1975. As Federal Commissioner for Special Duties he was instrumental in founding ECOWAS.
Following the coup of 1975, he was appointed a member of the Supreme Military Council. General Murtala Mohammed the new Head of State then appointed him Commissioner for Health. The Elder Statesman was also appointed the first military governor of Plateau State from March 1976 to July 1978, after Benue-Plateau State was divided into Benue State and Plateau State.
As governor, he made the progressive proposal that anyone born in Plateau State or anyone who had lived in the state for 20 years should enjoy all the rights and privileges of a native regardless of ethnic origin. He resisted the leadership after the elections of 12 June 1993 were annulled. As a result of being one of the founders of NADECO, he went into exile only to return on 7 October 1998.
He became a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State. The party went on to win the national elections in 1999. He also became chairman of the Middle Belt Forum. In September 2001, as chairman of the MBF.
In 2006, he was the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
In June 2007, he was summoned to Russia’s Foreign Ministry to discuss the kidnapping of six Russian employees of RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium producer. The workers were snatched from the company’s residential compound in the Niger Delta.
The Elder lost his first wife in 2020 and married long later. He is survived by 5 children and many grandchildren. The Elder Statesman celebrated his 80th Birthday on 30th June 2022.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
