His love for flying and piloting aircrafts during his reign as governor of Taraba State led to his death, five years after surviving a plane crash near Yola, Adamawa State capital.
But former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai who died in Orlando, Florida, United States, on June 28, will now have the State airport named after him, his successor Darius Dickson Ishaku has announced.
The governor said he has presented a request to the State House of Assembly for approval to name the airport after Suntai, whom he described as an “unforgettable leader.”
“If I am able to obtain their (lawmakers’) support, the airport will be named Danbaba Danfulani Suntai Airport,” he said.
There have been calls for the Taraba State University (TSU) to be named after the deceased governor for establishing the institution, but his successor said Suntai’s soul will be happier if he is immortalised with the airport, adding, “he had love for the skies”.
Ishaku announced that “preparations were in top gear for Suntai to get a state burial on August 5.
He said, “I wish to appeal to all Tarabans to pray for Suntai’s family and the burial committee members as we enter the emotional days that lie ahead for the people of Taraba State.
“We must all come together as a people to give this amiable leader of ours a befitting burial.
“On the part of government, we are doing everything possible to give him the honour that he deserves.”
Suntai’s Aide-de-Camp, Chief Security Officer and the Chief Detail, who were aboard the ill-fated private Cessna plane that crashed, have survived and are all doing well, according to reports.
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