President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday expressed gratitude to God for sparing the life of Taraba State Governor, Dambaba Suntai, who was involved in a plane crash in Yola, Adamawa State, on Thursday.
Jonathan, who visited the governor at the intensive care unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, said that Suntai was in a stable condition.
He called on the Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Bello Bala Shehu, to give the governor adequate care for quick recovery.
Shedding more light on the health condition of the governor, Shehu confirmed that Suntai was in a stable condition.
He said the hospital staff were attending to first degree injury sustained by the governor in the crash.
Shehu also said that the injury would not necessitate them to carry out any major operation on the governor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that an aircraft, Cessna 208, 5N-BMJ, operated by Suntai with six people on board, crashed at about 7.45 p.m on Thursday and was found at about 90 minutes after the crash.
A statement from the Aviation Ministry stated that the passengers were transported to Yola Specialist hospital and later moved to the Federal Medica Centre in Yola, the state capital.
The statement signed by Mr Joe Obi, the Special Adviser on Media to the Aviation Minister read:
“An aircraft, Cessna 208 with 6 souls on board including crew, operated by the Taraba State Government departed Jalingo, Taraba State for Yola this evening and reported contact with the Yola Control Tower (1720Z) and field in sight at 38 miles estimating landing at 1730Z.
“The pilot subsequently lost contact with Yola Control Tower and subsequent effort to raise the aircraft failed.
Search & Rescue was immediately activated and site of incident located with all victims alive with various degrees of injuries.
“The victims have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment pending further investigation of the incident.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Democratic Party has called on its members nationwide to observe minutes of prayers tomorrow for the speedy recovery of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai and his aides who were involved in an air crash yesterday.”
“Our National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur on behalf of the National Executive Committee wishes to call on all our members to observe minutes of prayers tomorrow, Saturday, 27th of October, 2012 for the speedy recovery of our dear Governor Suntai and his aides.” it said
“The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh who conveyed the party’s decision today in Abuja said the PDP was grateful to God for saving the life of the Governor and his aides.