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Tag: Danbaba Suntai

  • AIB: ex-Taraba Governor Suntai not competent to fly crashed aircraft

    The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has said the late Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai was not competent to fly the Cessna 208B aircraft he flew and crashed on October 25, 2012.

    The bureau returned the verdict in the six final accident reports it released yesterday.

    The other final reports involved Delta Airlines Airbus A330-223 on February 13, 2018 and Bristow Helicopters Sirkorsky S76C6+, which crashed on February 3, 2016.

    Others involved a Diamond DA40D aircraft operated by International Aviation College, Ilorin, Kwara State, and a GulfStream G200 aircraft operated by Nestoil Plc.

    Addressing reporters at its headquarters in Lagos, AIB Chief Executive Officer Akin Olateru said accident reports are not meant to be punitive.

    He noted that though the bureau could not conclusively determine the cause of the crash that involved the late governor but hinted that Suntai, as pilot of the ill-fated airplane, was not certified, qualified and competent to fly the aircraft.

    Olateru said Suntai’s decision to operate a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) after sunset was inconsistent with aviation regulations.

    The AIB chief fingered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its inadequate oversight duties as a regulator, because the ill-fated Cessna aircraft was not in the agency’s registry.

    He added that the ill-fated aircraft does not have any maintenance record in any Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO).

    The report made two safety recommendations, urging the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to relocate control tower at Yola Airport to enhance the aerial view of the approach path Runway 35 from the tower.

    It also said the NCAA should ensure all pertinent regulations regarding the operations of the aircraft and certification of relevant personnel and facilities of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Taraba State government are appropriately complied with.

    On Suntai’s crash, AIB said: “The pilot was not qualified to fly Cessna 172 and had total logged flying hours of 58 hours 40 minutes.

    “The pilot had no relevant endorsement to fit Cessna Caravan 208B. The pilot does not have instrument ratings and night flight privileges.

    “The pilot reported an incorrect estimated time of arrival at Yola Airport. The pilot reported the number of persons on board as six to the control tower as against four actual persons found after the accident.”

    On Delta Airlines Airbus A330-223 accident, the bureau said its findings revealed that the aircraft engine caught fire due to fuel manifold cracking attributable to high vibratory stresses.

    Read also: Ex-Governor Suntai dies five years after surviving plane crash

    It added: “An over-temperature condition and localised fire within the number one engine cowling triggered a fire warning. The over-temperature and fire were caused by ignition of fuel from a hairline crack on the fuel manifold supplying fuel nozzle one.”

    The AIB said it had issued safety recommendations to the National Transport Safety Bureau to consider informing the United States Federal Aviation Administration to issue an airworthiness directive and safety bulletin to the aircraft engineer manufacturer to address the fuel nozzle and fuel manifold modes.

    On Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S76C6+ crash, the AIB said the chopper crashed because the crew failed to adhere to company operations manual as it relates to after take-off checks.

    The bureau said the crew did not disengage the autopilot to fly the aircraft manually.

    It urged Bristow Helicopters to consider reviewing its procedure for terming crew back to flight duties after staying off duty for any period up to 30 days.

  • Late Taraba gov. not competent to fly crashed airplane – AIB

    Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Thursday released six final accident reports involving the crash that involved late Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai; who the bureau said was not competent to fly the ill- fated Cessna 208B that crashed on October 25, 2012.

    The other final reports involved Delta Airlines Airbus A330- 223 on February 13, 2018 and Bristow Helicopters Sirkorsky S76C6 +, which crashed on February 3, 2016.

    Others involved a Diamond DA40D aircraft operated by International Aviation College in Ilorin and a GulfStream G200 aircraft operated by Nestoil Plc.

    Speaking at a briefing at its headquarters in Lagos, AIB Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru said accident reports are not meant to be punitive.

    He said though the bureau could not conclusively determine the cause of the crash involving the late Taraba governor, but hinted that Suntai as pilot of the ill-fated airplane was not certified, qualified and competent to fly the aircraft.

    Olateru said the decision of Suntai to operate a Visual Flight a Rules (VFR) flight after sunset was inconsistent with aviation regulations.

    The AIB boss fingered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its inadequate oversight duties as a regulator, because the ill- fated Cessna aircraft was not in NCAA registry.

    Olateru said the ill- fated aircraft does not have any maintenance record in any Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO).

    The report made two safety recommendations urging Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to take appropriate action to relocate the existing control tower at Yola Airport in order to enhance the aerial view of the approach path runway 35 from the tower.

    The report said the NCAA should ensure all pertinent regulations with regards to the operations of the aircraft and certification of all relevant personnel and facilities of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Taraba State government are appropriately complied with.

    Read Also: Shaibu calls for increased funding of army

    The AIB said its findings concerning Suntai’s crash revealed that: “The pilot was not qualified to fly Cessna 172 and had total logged flying hours of fifty eight hours forty minutes.

    The pilot had no relevant endorsement to fit Cessna Caravan 208B. The pilot does not have instrument ratings and night flight privileges.

    The pilot reported an incorrect estimated time of arrival at Yola Airport. The pilot reported the number of persons on board as six to the control tower as against four actual persons found after the accident.

    On the serious incident involving Delta Airlines Airbus A330-223, the AIB said its findings revealed that the aircraft engine caught fire due to fuel manifold cracking attributable to high vibratory stresses.

    It reads: ” An over temperature condition and localized fire within the number one engine cowling triggered a fire warning. The over temperature and fire were caused by ignition of fuel from a hairline crack on the fuel manifold supplying fuel nozzle one.”

    The AIB said it has issued safety recommendations to the National Transport Safety Bureau to consider informing the United States Federal Aviation Administration to issue an airworthiness directive and safety bulletin to the aircraft engineer manufacturer to address the fuel nozzle and fuel manifold modes.

    On the Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S76C+ + crash, the AIB said the chopper crashed because the crew failed to adhere to company operations manual as it relates to after take-off checks.

    The AIB said the crew did not disengage the autopilot to fly the aircraft manually.

    It urged Bristow Helicopters to consider reviewing its procedure for terming crew back to flight duties after staying of duty for any period up to thirty days.

  • Yesterday, Taraba’s unforgettable former Governor Danbaba Suntai was laid to rest in Suntai

    Part 1 last week was about DambabaSuntai’s dramatic emergence as Governor, his love for flying and the details of his terrifying plane crash.  The 4 confirmed passengers on board all survived – a miraculous, rare occurrence in aviation history.

    In Part 2 is: Suntai, a man ahead of his time; his achievements, legacies and testimonials.

    Yesterday, DanbabaSuntai was laid to rest in a state burial in Taraba, having served the state in various capacities and becoming a two-term governor.

    But what was DanbabaSuntai like?

    • Forthright and decisive, a believer in the proper training of the young ones to build a solid foundation for their future.
    • A great lover of his people.
    • A leader ahead of his time who brought reforms and development to his state.

    DanbabaSuntai is the one and only Governor of whom it is said he was a good man.  Now, all that a mortal man has to do to be good is to die!  How much more a former governor!

    But Suntai was one of those one could say was almost too good to be true.  Let me highlight some of his achievements and also feature some of the reactions to his passing, to paint a better picture.

    More like an office-holder of today, Suntai introduced several reforms to bring about autonomy of local government administration.  And his vision for local government (LGs) seems to be coming to pass now.  Just last month the Nigerian Senate gave its assent to the concept of L.G Autonomy in the country.

    Suntai initiated the Taraba Local Council Reforms to make L.G. administration fully transparent.  The result was higher monthly revenue and regular payment of pensions; unlike before his administration.

    As Governor, he fought against corruption, crime and indiscipline.

    He established the State Agriculture and Produce Marketing Agency (TAPMA) in order to run the agriculture sector in a business-like manner.

    Suntai built and commissioned a multi-million naira computerized stone-crushing and asphalt plant – bringing industrialization to an erstwhile agrarian state.  He built a twin 250 seater lecture theatre for the Pharmacy department of ABU in 2011.  He said it should be named after ABU’s pioneer Dean of Pharmacy, Prof. Gabriel Osuide – unheard of for a Nigerian Governor!  For them, EVERYTHING that is named must be named after them.

    According to Emmanuel Bello, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Ishaku, DambataSuntai was even more than that.  Bello has told of how Suntai once stopped his convoy and came down to tell the drivers to desist from their intimidating driving style, saying that they were constituting a nuisance to other road users!

    Even more surprising

    Really astonishing – Suntai hated the use of sirens! Sirens – talking about the ultimate symbol of a NIGERIAN GOVERNOR!Indeed Suntai was a rare breed.

    Emmanuel Bello was Suntai’s Commissioner for Information and he has written a book he launched just 10 months back titled; Suntai: Betrayers, Loyalists and the Media War.  Of course Bello is a loyalist, he loved the man Suntai very much.

    Suntai’s simplicity did not imply he was by any means a pushover, far from it.

    In terms of his political acumen, Suntai outwitted even the then sitting president when the ministerial nominee Suntai had disapproved of was still forwarded to the Senate for approval.  Suntai had the fellow stepped down – constitutionally and following laid down rules.

    He was a man of the people and pursued anything that would be to their benefit.

    And Suntai was a good family man he loved and feared God.

    And so now, even though his life-long ally and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Bwachais still in too much shock to say very much, nonetheless he has been able to debunk the rumour that the current administration had abandoned the former governor during his travails.

    SenBwacha CON has made it clear that the Governor Ishaku administration had been taking the responsibility of Suntai’s medical needs right up to his demise.

    Here are some other people’s expressions on the man DambabaSuntai:

    Deputy President of the SenanteIke Ekweremadu says;

    Suntai was a purpose – drive leader who had the interest of his people at heart.  He did a lot for the development of the State.

    For House of Representatives Speaker YakubuDegara;

    His death is particularly painful because he was a leader who had the interest of his people at heart.

    Former President Olusegun  Obasanjo;

    Though his life was short, many will remember him for his contribution to public service and for his favourable political disposition towards his kinsmen.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan;

    He was an altruistic state governor who worked assiduously to improve the lives of the good people of Taraba.  His good works as a dedicated family man, accomplished professional… selfless politician and great philanthropist would continue to live after him.

    Dr. Jonathan as President had visited Suntai at the National Hospital Abuja shortly before Suntai was flown out to Germany, the day after he had that plane crash.

    And for his home people:

    Victor Bala, State PDP Chairman says;

    Suntai’s name would be written in gold as a peaceful and hardworking governor who brought development to the State.

    Taraba’s Number One Citizen Architect Darius Ishaku has promised to immortalizeSuntai by renaming Jalingo Airport after him because as Gov. Ishaku says,”he had great love for the skies”.  On Suntai, Ishaku states; “He was a great gift and asset to Taraba.  Fresh in the minds of the people particularly is the love he showed to all manner of men in the state”.

    In conclusion, I simply extend my heartfelt sympathy to Suntai’s wife, HajiaHauwa and children, to the grieving Governor and to ALL the Taraba people.

    May God rest the soul of the dearly departed who kept the faith to the end, now is a crown laid up for him from the Lord, the righteous judge.

    I end by saying Goodbye to man of the people, a good man, a good governor, Dambaba D. Suntai.

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  • Ex-Taraba Gov. Suntai buried amidst eulogies, tears

    Ex-Taraba Gov. Suntai buried amidst eulogies, tears

    The remains of the former Governor of Taraba, Danbaba Suntai was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown, Suntai in Bali Local Government Area of the state amidst tears and eulogies.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a cross section of Nigerians, who were touched by the late governor’s kind gesture and sterling leadership qualities, could not hold their tears as they gave their testimonies of his legacies.

    One of them, Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, described the late Suntai, as an epitome of humility with a great sense of humour and passion for the development of the state.

    Ishaku, however, thanked all Nigerians, especially those who stood by the late governor during his trying moment and in death.

    He said that the love they showed him was a great source of strength to the family and the people of the state.

    The governor urged Suntai’s family to be consoled by the legacies and virtues of the late icon, who he said would be remembered by people for what he believed and stood for.

    Earlier, Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti urged the people of Taraba to imbibe the virtues of Suntai.

    Fayose said they should imbibe his virtues and continue to promote the good things he stood for while alive for the development of the state and country.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe said the late governor did well for the people of the state.

    The President of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Most Rev. Musa Philibus, at the funeral service, enjoined Nigerians to live a life of service to humanity.

    Philibus said that Nigerians should bear in mind that all must die to give an account of their stewardship to God.

    “There is glory and happiness in death when we live a life that pleases God.

    “We should think about pleasing God rather thinking of how to bring others down in order to get to the top,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the funeral was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and the immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam.

    Others were the First Executive Governor of Taraba, Rev. Jolly Nyame, the pioneer military governor of Taraba CP Ambrose Afolahan, representatives of the governors of Adamawa, Benue and Nasarawa as well as some National Assembly members among others.

    The deceased, who was aged 55, died on June 28, in the USA where he was recuperating from the treatment he sustained injuries when a private aircraft he was flying crashed on October 25, 2012, in Yola.

    He was the governor of the state between 2007 and 2015.

  • I’m “President in-waiting”, says Fayose

    I’m “President in-waiting”, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose is famous for his controversies. On Saturday, ahead of President Muhammed Buhari’s arrival from London,  Fayode declared himself as Nigeria’s president in-waiting.

    He spoke at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo –the Taraba State capital during the funeral service of former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

    The Ekiti governor came when all other dignitaries were seated and the occasion had begun.

    He waved at the gathering, acknowledging cheers which briefly interrupted the service.

    He wore a white garment with brief arms and white half-shoe to match.

    As he strode in, some people initially had mistaken him for former President Goodluck Jonathan, in spite of their stark difference in body frame and height.

    Leading Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong to the podium to offer their condolences and tributes, Fayose stirred a melodrama.  Twice, he called himself president in-waiting.

    He humorously thanked the moderator, GT Kataps for giving him the chance to step on the podium.

    “Thank you for giving me the chance. Maybe I am the president in-waiting,” he said. There was a thunder of laughter and cheers from the audience.

    As he made his speech, members of a women choral group began to make noise. “Women should not make noise, especially when a president in-waiting is talking,” he said. Again, he was cheered up by fans.

    He based his tribute on “courage and fearlessness” which he is known for, which were also attributes of late former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

    But when it was the turn of the Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong to speak, he told Fayose that there was no qualm since his presidency was a waiting type.

    Lalong said: “Thank God you are a waiting president. You will wait for my President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; he is returning today; you will welcome him.”

    It was a few hours after Lalong’s speech that President Buhari arrived the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

    Lalong is of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Fayose is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Fielding questions from newsmen, Fayose said he attended Suntai’s funeral because the deceased was an achiever, and particularly when Governor Darius Ishaku of the PDP won his election in the court he celebrated the victory in Ekiti too.

  • Suntai’s body arrives from U.S

    Suntai’s body arrives from U.S

    The body of late former Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday morning.

    The body was brought in by British Airways Airbus 777. 600 series with flight number G- VIIN, at about 6:00 a.m., and was received by one Jeji Williams.

    The late former governor will be buried on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba State capital.

    Details later…

  • Late Suntai’s burial now to hold Aug. 19

    Late Suntai’s burial now to hold Aug. 19

    Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku has announced the postponement of the state burial of former Governor Danbaba Suntai from Aug. 5 to Aug.  19.

     A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Alhaji Hassan Mijinyawa in Jalingo on Saturday said the new date followed the governor’s consideration of the report submitted to him by the steering committee for burial of the late governor.

    “Other activities lined up for the funeral ceremony will be announced soon” Mijinyawa said.

    He quoted Gov.  Ishaku as describing  Suntai as a great leader who impacted positively on the lives of Taraba people and therefore, deserved to be honoured.

    Ishaku also urged them to keep praying for the repose of the soul of Suntai and his family.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Suntai, who was receiving treatment from injuries he sustained from a plane crash in Oct. 2012, died at a hospital in Florida, U.S. on June 28.

  • Taraba will pay outstanding pensions, gratuities with Paris Club fund – Ishaku

    Taraba will pay outstanding pensions, gratuities with Paris Club fund – Ishaku

    Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba said on Monday in Jalingo that the Paris Club debt relief fund received by the state would be used to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities.

    Ishaku, in a speech shortly before signing the Anti-open Grazing Bill into law, said that the amount received would cover the outstanding pensions of local government workers and a substantial part of gratuities of both state and local government workers.

    He expressed concern that local government retirees had not been paid their pensions and gratuities since 2013, and promised to address the situation.

    The governor announced that he had requested the House of Assembly to approve the re-naming of the state airport after Mr Danbaba Suntai to immortalise the late governor that died last month.

    “Suntai did so much for Taraba and we owe him a duty to honour him,” Ishaku said.

    He said that the late governor would be given a state burial on Aug. 5.

  • Suntai worked to advance Nigerian project – Jonathan

    Suntai worked to advance Nigerian project – Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday commiserated with Governor Darius Ishaku and the people of Taraba State on the death of former governor of the state, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

    Suntai died in a United States hospital on Wednesday.

    He was 55.

    Jonathan, in a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, also conveyed his condolences to the family of the late former governor, describing him as a committed patriot who worked assiduously to advance the Nigerian project.

    He said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of former Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, who passed on at the age of 55 years.

    “He was a committed patriot, an astute politician and altruistic State Governor who worked assiduously to improve the lives of the good people of Taraba State.

    “Through his purposeful leadership and development strides, the late Suntai was able to establish an enviable governance paradigm that has continued to guide Taraba State towards its desired greatness.

    “As a democrat, the late Suntai etched his name in the annals of our democratic advancement by working courageously for the emergence and consolidation of the Fourth Republic.

    “Before venturing into politics Suntai acquitted himself as a highly committed practitioner who brought honour and glory to the pharmacy profession.

    “His good works as a dedicated family man, accomplished professional, selfless politician and great philanthropist would continue to live after him.

    “On behalf of my family, I convey our deepest sympathy to his family, Government and good people of Taraba State, and the rest of the country.

    “May his soul find eternal repose in the bosom of the Almighty God.”

     

  • PDP mourns Suntai, former Taraba governor

    PDP mourns Suntai, former Taraba governor

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the late former governor of Taraba, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, as an outstanding and professional man.

    Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the Deputy PDP National Chairman in Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff’s faction, said this on Wednesday.

    “We are proud of late Suntai. He left his profession and became a politician in order to bring quality to governance.

    “This, he exhibited, while in office until the unfortunate plane crash incident.
    “Suntai represented PDP well and are very proud of him.”

    Ojougboh said that until his death Suntai never gave up as he was involved in the struggle for the progress of PDP and Nigeria.

    He said that the PDP commiserated with the family of late Suntai, the people and government of Taraba state on the great lost.

    Suntai, 56, who has been receiving treatment in hospital across the world since he was involved in a plane crash in October 2012 died in Houston, Florida, in the United States on Wednesday.

    Mr. Emmanuel Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Darius Ishaku on Public Affairs had confirmed the incident to NAN on telephone on Wednesday.