Suntai avoids media, but said to be ‘mentally alert’

Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba state
on Sunday arrived in Abuja after 10
months of medical treatment abroad after
being involved in a plane crash on Oct.
25, 2012.
Mr. Suntai did not talk to the media but
some of his associates, who were at the
airport, said he was “mentally alert” and
fit to recognize people by names.
John Dara, a friend of the governor’s,
said that the governor he saw was alert
with his memory intact.
“We were excited to see him and it is
understandable that after the long trip, he
was weak and tired,” Mr. Dara said.
“But, we were thrilled by the fact that he
recognized everyone by name which
shows that he is mentally alert and lucid.”
He said the governor’s mental alertness
indicated that he was capable of taking
over the affairs of the state.
“That itself is a clear indication that he is
capable of running the affairs of Taraba
as the governor.
“We had no doubt in our minds that when
he gets back to Jalingo today, it will be
up to his doctor to say whether he will
resume today or in a couple of days to
come.
“But he is clearly okay and able to
function,’’ Mr. Dara said.
He said that his (the governor) decision
not to talk to newsmen might be because
of the long journey.
“Talking to newsmen can be spontaneous
and organised. So, we felt that when he
has rested well, it will be easier for him to
address Nigerians,’’ Dara said.
Go. Danbaba Suntai alighting from the
plane width=
Go. Danbaba Suntai alighting from the
plane on arrival from the U.S. on
Saturday
Another close associate of Suntai, Rima
Shamulu, said the decision to take over
the ruling of the state lied with him in line
with the provisions of the constitution.
“There are provisions in the constitution
for you to take over or not to.
“And if he gets back to Jalingo today, and
he transmits a letter to the state assembly
through the speaker that he has arrived,
that is all; he can take over as the
governor.
“So I don’t know why there are
speculations around because there is
constitutional provision when someone
becomes too sick to function; it is not for
us to speculate.
“And with the way I saw him, he is all
right,’’ Mr. Shamulu said.