Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State yesterday arrived Abuja on Saturday at 10 p.m. after spending over two months in the United Kingdom where he went for a scheduled medical check-up.
Mr. Suntai later addressed a select group of journalists at a guest house belonging to former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) in Asokoro, Abuja.
“I just arrived in Nigeria after my treatment abroad at Whalton Hospital in London”, the News Agency of Nigeria quotes the governor as saying. “I thank God l’m getting better, l am happy to be back home and you all are here to receive me. Thank you all for your prayer sand support”.
Suntai was received by the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku; a former Taraba governor, Jolly Nyame; and Emmanuel Bwacha, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, among others.
In what appears a replay of the drama late last year by supporters of the governor, when they claimed he was ready to govern the state, Mr. Ishaku told journalists that Suntai was in good health and could now resume official duties as governor.
“Taraba State will heave a sigh of relief following the coming of the governor”, he said. “I am excited, he just addressed us and expressed his joy to be back home; l will like to add that his health is a miracle”.
Also, Mr. Nyame said that Suntai’s mental alertness indicated that he was capable of taking over the affairs of the state.
“It is obvious that the governor can recognise everyone here which shows that he is mentally alert and lucid”, Mr. Nyame said. “He just addressed the press, but the last time he didn’t, which shows that he can take over as the governor”.
It would be recalled that last week, the Taraba State Executive Council led by the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, passed a resolution asking the State House of Assembly to set up a medical panel to assess the true state of Mr. Suntai’s health.