Plateau State stood still yesterday as one of its priced sons, the late Senator Gyang Nyam Shum Pwajok, was committed to mother earth. Pwajok passed on in India about three weeks ago. The former senator meant a lot to the people who had had cause to associate with him, hence his burial was full of testimonies from people whose lives he impacted on in one way or the other.
The remains of the late senator was moved from the mortuary of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as early as 8am to the Church of Christ In Nation (COCIN) Du, Jos South LGA for the burial mass. His body drew a long convoy of vehicles rarely experienced in the state. It was like the funeral of a king.
At the funeral service at COCIN yesterday, Senate President Bukola Saraki described him as an embodiment of humility, adding that during his period as Senator, he contributed immensely to the current peace in Plateau State.
Saraki, who was represented by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, said Plateau State and Nigeria had lost a brave and vibrant leader who lived and worked for the peace and unity of the nation.
The senator representing Plateau North, Dr. Jonah David Jang, regarded as the political father of the late Pwajok, described him as a sharp intellect, a vibrant character and a resilient spirit.
Jang, who was visibly shaken by Pwajok’s death, wondered: “How could this rare star be dimmed so prematurely? We weep in anguish and wander why fate is so cruel to us.
“But God is never cruel to us. Yes, His ways are sometimes strange, unfathomable to us, but we must not despair. We must still thank Him even for what He has done.
“In our eyes, Gyang’s life was sadly too short. But we cannot measure the worth of a man’s life by the days he sojourns here. Rather, we should assess it by how much he impacts society.
“Gyang was indeed a great man, a great inspiration and profound blessing to his time. He will continue to excite fond memories in generations to come, especially the youth whom he loved so much.”
Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, while eulogising the life and times of the late senator, said: “I regret the death of GNS Pwajok, I questioned why he died so early in age. But I cannot question God Almighty who created GNS Pwajok.
“The man has a vision for Plateau State and I will not allow that vision to die with him. I will work with the family to get his development blue print for me to implement it for the benefit of Plateau citizens whom GNS Pwajok loved so much.
“As a governor, I had sincere intention to tap into the vision of GNS Pwajok in developing the state. It is therefore a great loss to my administration that he has to die now. I have no one to consult for ideas any more.
“I know GNS has a rich store of ideas for the growth of the state. Only God knows why the man died without fulfilling his mission for the people of the state. It is so painful.”
The running mate to the late Senator Pwajok during the governorship election, Yilji Gomwalk, described his deceased boss as a man with a large and gentle heart who accepted all indiscriminately. He always thought of others before himself.”
Plateau youths described him as their hero and role model. Politicians described him as their hope. Women called him their saviour. The indigent group called him their Messiah.
Senator Pwajok was the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 11 governorship election in Plateau State. He fell sick before May 29 and was flown out of the country for medical attention. But the youngest Senator in the 7th Assembly between 2012 and 2015 was confirmed dead on the 28th of October 2015.
The late Pwajok was suspected to have died of illness known in medical parlance as Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a combination of kidney and liver complications.
The entire state mourns his death because he died at the early age of 48, having been born on the 15th of March 1966.
The PDP standard bearer died while pursuing his governorship case before the election petition tribunal.
The youths in the state vowed to continue with the legacies of the late senator as enshrined in his political slogan, Greater Together, during the governorship campaign, based on his belief that Plateau State will be greater when the citizens are united.
Senator Pwajok died fighting for the unity of the people of Plateau state. As a leader of the “greater together” crusade, he was detribalised. He embraced all and never showed ethnic or religious sentiments in his character.
GNS Pwajok was a lecturer at Plateau State Polythecnic, University of Jos before going into politics. He was a Director General of Research and Documentation and late Chief of Staff in the former Jonah Jang administration between 2007 and 2012.
He later contested the Senate seat of Plateau North Senatorial zone and won in 2012. He won the governorship primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after defeating 15 other governorship aspirant.
In a tribute by his wife, Mrs Bridget Gyang Pwajok, she said: “By this death, myself and my husband has only separated physically, we are still together in spirit.
“I will forever love the world we shared. I will always remember your smile. I shall miss your love and care, no doubt, but I’m consoled with the confidence that you’ve gone to be with our Lord God.
“I will be with you there someday. Rest in peace, my dear.”
The only daughter of the late senator, Miss Matilda Simi Pwajok, said: “I never imagined I would pay a tribute to daddy so early. It is just too difficult to accept he is dead. I still don’t believe it. I wish Iam dreaming”
Senator Pwajok was later laid to rest at his Rayfield residence after the burial mass.
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