Gov. Mutfwang, Speaker, Senator Lalong, Others Bid Farewell to Late Peter Azi in Jos
As it is written in the Holy Scriptures, “There is a time to be born and a time to die.” Also, Ecclesiastes 7:1–2 says, “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.”
This was the atmosphere in Dong District of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, as people trooped out to pay their last respects to a father, philanthropist, politician and community leader par excellence, the late Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi.
The deceased passed away at the age of 72 following a brief illness.
Late Peter Azi served as a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly for three terms and was Speaker of the 8th Assembly.
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A retired Army and Police officer, he also served as the Chief Security Officer of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, and was a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jos North Local Government Area.
As a community leader, he was once President of the Afizere Cultural Club and Vice President of the Afizere Cultural and Community Development Association, among other leadership positions.
Speaking at the funeral service held at St. Augustine Catholic Pastoral Area, Dong, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, through the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, described the deceased as humble, simple and a friend to all.
According to the Governor, the late Peter Azi was a man who fought for the rights of others and would be greatly missed.
Governor Mutfwang paid tribute to the former Speaker and commiserated with the Afizere Nation, Plateau State and Nigeria at large over what he described as a monumental loss.
He urged the family, friends and associates of the deceased to take solace in the Lord.
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Na’anlong Daniel, accompanied by members of the House, former Speakers and other members who served in the 8th Assembly, expressed their condolences over the death of what he described as a rare gem, veteran parliamentarian and colleague.
Na’anlong, who served alongside the deceased, recalled with nostalgia his humility, dedication and hard work, describing him as a good man who carried many responsibilities with distinction.
In his condolence message, former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, said he did not know where to begin in describing the loss.
Lalong and the late Peter Azi served together as members of the Plateau State House of Assembly during the administration of former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye, with Lalong serving as Speaker.
Recounting one of the difficult moments they experienced together, Lalong said both of them were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over their refusal to impeach Governor Dariye.
He recalled that while he was detained at the EFCC office in Lagos, late Peter Azi was detained in Abuja.
According to Lalong, when the EFCC presented the impeachment document to Azi for his signature, he reportedly gave them a condition: “Call Lalong in Lagos. If he signs, then I will sign.”
Lalong further disclosed that the late Peter Azi called him just two or three hours before his death.
He expressed appreciation to the Afizere Nation, recalling that during his tenure as Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Head of Service and Secretary to the State Government were all from the Afizere community, and that they worked successfully together.
The former Governor also acknowledged the contributions of late Peter Azi to the development of legislative leadership on the Plateau, saying he laid the foundation for former Speakers Rt. Hon. Joshua Izang Madaki and Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok, as well as Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Isa Ajiji.
According to him, late Peter Azi was among those who started the struggle for the autonomy of the State House of Assembly.
He urged the current Speaker and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to protect the autonomy and sanctity of the legislature for the benefit of the people of the state, noting that he was aware of attempts at interference from outside.
Lalong further stated that the history of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State would not be complete without acknowledging the contributions of late Peter Azi.
Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kifiana, urged politicians and members of the public to learn from the life and legacy of the deceased.
He charged politicians to shun bitterness, stressing that politics should be about serving the interests of the people rather than pursuing personal interests.
According to him, “One day, we will all be laid like this,” urging political actors to always remember the transient nature of life.
Among those who attended the funeral to pay their last respects were former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye; the Agwom Izere, HRH Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, who led other traditional rulers; serving and former members of the National Assembly; the wife of the APC National Chairman and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; Local Government Chairmen; Commissioners; political leaders; community leaders and numerous sympathisers.
The remains of the late Rt. Hon. Peter Ajang Azi were finally laid to rest at his residence in Dong.
He is survived by his wife, Dorcas Peter Azi, and children: Julius Peter Azi, Veronica Nyam, Mary Yakubu, Victoria Justice, Christiana Danjuma, Philomena Alim, Ariella Akutse Peter Azi and Anna Abi Peter Azi.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, 29TH AUGUST, 2027)
