- Says I’m distressed by his death
Nigeria’s former Minister of Defence and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) has described the late Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (rtd) as a good man and special associate that should have honoured him first before joining his ancestors.
Gen Danjuma, who admitted being distressed that Suleiman died before him despite being a younger friend and an associate, said both of them had very close shaves with deaths during their service but they survived
Speaking at a well-attended commendation service and service of songs to honour the late Suleiman in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the retired General said; “The late Suleiman was special to me. Dan was younger than me. I am a traditional man and by my culture, he is supposed to be the one to bury me, not me burying him.
“I am not supposed to be here but I had to make an exception because he was a good man. We had a close shave with death together.
“I always told him not to die before me but it has happened. So, I decided to show my face here and quietly talk to the family before going back to Lagos where I am based. Quite a number of speakers before me have paid glowing tributes to Daniel and there is nothing else to add.”
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao described the late Suleiman as a mentor whose lifetime achievements were sources of inspiration.
Describing him as one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Air Force whose contribution to the development of the service remained a focal point of reference, Air Marshal Amao said; “during his sojourn on earth, Air Commodore Suleiman displayed admirable wisdom, diligence and dedication to service to humanity.”
According to the Air Chief, “Air Commodore Suleiman made a landmark achievement in his public service as a seasoned fighter pilot, military strategist, a staunch advocate of air power and contributed immensely to the development of Airpower in the Nigerian Air Force”, adding that “they look up to him as an exemplary military strategic leader.”
Air Marshall, who noted that his contribution to the Nigerian Air Force operations in the fulfilment of Nigerian National Security imperatives would forever be remembered, said the shocking news of his death, which occurred on 1st February 2023 was a solemn reminder to everyone that death is inevitable.
He said for these reasons, the Air Force will continue to celebrate the selfless service, quality life and glorious exit of the amiable late Air Commodore and his legacy would remain ever fresh.
On his part, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revered Israel Akanji, in a message titled; “Abide with Us”, said it was the wish of the late Commodore that people should abide with God by giving their lives to Christ.
At the Commendation Service, attended by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, President of Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Edwin Clark Representative, former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, and full branches of Nigerian Air Force among other prominent Nigerians, testimonies were shared by friends, colleagues, church and family members about the life and times of the Late Commodore.
In his Chief Ezeife, who represented the Ohaneze Ndigbo, described the late nationalist as a man to be trusted and believed, adding; “He is a man who says yes and it is yes, he says no and it is no. Dan Suleman is in heaven right now, there is no doubt about it.
“On behalf of my people, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, I bring you condolences. He lived 80 years, this kind of person, we will like him to live up to 120 years. But he tried and all those years he lived were very useful”.
Until his passage on February 1, 2023, Suleiman, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Russia and one of the renowned leaders of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), was among the respected leaders of the Middle-Belt Forum (MBF).
