By Godwin Ojoshimite

Nasarawa State was on Tuesday thrown into a sober mood as mourners within and outside the state turned out en-masse to bid farewell to the former governor of the Old Plateau State, Solomon Lar.

Nasarawa State was carved out of the Old Plateau State which Lar governed.

Several dignitaries paid their last respects as corpse of the 82 years old PDP pioneer national chairman, was laid in state at the City Hall Shandam Road Lafia.

Speaking at the occasion, Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, described Lar as an emancipator of his time who against all odds created chiefdoms in the state to ensure equity.

He applauded Lar for uplifting the living standard of civil servant during his time adding that the late politician shared the same vision with Nelson Mandela of South Africa.

While bidding him farewell, Al-Makura said the Lar left a foot print for other leaders to emulate.

Also speaking at the occasion, former governor of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwe Doma,  who was deputy to Lar, described him as a leader who stood for the truth and ensured equity.

He added that his former boss was a compassionate leader who had the plight of his followers at heart.

Expressing her appreciation, Chalya Lar, daughter of the deceased, thanked the government and people of Nasarawa State for according the family a rousing reception.

Dignitaries that turned out to pour encomium on the Late Lar included the Deputy Governor of the Nasarawa State, Damishi Luka, Speaker  of the State House of Assembly, Ahmed Musa Mohammed, Secretary to the State Government, Zanaib Abdulmumuni and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State,  John Michael Abdul.