The remains of the former deputy Governor of Plateau State, Da. Michael Botmang, was committed to mother earth on Thursday 30th January at his residence in Zawan, Jos South LGA amidst wailing and crying from family and sympathisers. Botmang, 76, died on January 18 at his residence after a protracted battle with kidney failure. At the funeral mass, the Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama, urged politicians not to keep malice with each another as life on earth was a temporary one. He said, “Do not mortgage your salvation for politics, because the world we live in is temporary and nothing compares to the Salvation that we have in Christ Jesus”.

The remains of the former deputy Governor of Plateau State, Da. Michael Botmang, was committed to mother earth on Thursday 30th January at his residence in Zawan, Jos South LGA amidst wailing and crying from family members and sympathisers.

Da. Botmang, 76, died on January 18 at his residence after a protracted battle with kidney failure. At the funeral mass, the Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama, urged politicians not to keep malice with each another as life on earth was a temporary one. He said, “Do not mortgage your salvation for politics, because the world we live in is temporary and nothing compares to the Salvation that we have in Christ Jesus”.

He described the deceased as someone who touched the lives of the less privileged in many ways. Further urging politicians to emulate the political life style of the former deputy governor, as in his opinion it served as a good model for all.

Also at the ceremony, the current deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Ignatius Longjan, said Mr. Botmang was an asset not just to his immediate community, but the entire state. Mr. Longjan acknowledged Mr. Botmang’s contributions to the development of the state, saying “He will be greatly missed by all, stating that he was a sound and soft minded person who always stood for what was right. Speaking further, he said “Da Botmang contributed his quota to the development of our dear state and his impact will remain fresh in our minds for generations to come”.

The highlight of the event however, was when the former Governor of Plateau state, Chief Joshua Dariye spoke to reporters shortly after the service -he called his erstwhile deputy a very humble man who alway provided fatherly advise and support on key policy issues. Further saying that he (Dariye) had made peace with him (Botmang) before his death. “If you cannot forgive yourself, then you cannot forgive any one else; we have forgiven our selves long ago. That is why I always tell people I come across each day not to hold people in mind, but should learn to forgive each other no matter the issues. The life we are living today is temporary; none of us will be buried with his/her wealth, traditional title or Government position. The political offices we have held or that some of us are still occupying will all pass away.

In closing, Da. Botmang’s widow, Lydia, thanked sympathisers and said her husband was a God-fearing person who accorded respect to all humanity. She said her late husband made amends with all his perceived political foes before his death and was confident that he was resting in the bossom of the Lord.

Some of the guests at the funeral included Plateau State Deputy Governor, Ignatius Longjan, Kennedy Waku, Joshua Dariye, Gyang Pwajok, Fedelis Tapgun, Ibrahim Mantu, Yahaya Kwande, Pauline Tallen, Jeremiah Useni, Shardrack Best, Bitrus Atukum, members of the state executive council, national and state assembly members, as well as traditional rulers.

For the pictures of funeral, please click on the link below:

 http://www.viewpointnigeria.com/politics-mob/item/764-photo-news-funeral-of-late-chief-michael-botmang

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Joshua Dariye preaches forgiveness at Michael Botmang’s funeral