Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, on Friday, described the death of former Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina, as a monumental loss to the nation, especially the political class.

Senator Zwingina passed away at the age of 70 on Wednesday after a brief illness in Abuja.

Reacting to the death of Senator Zwingina, Senator Mark, said the deceased was a foremost parliamentarian and scholar who brought his wealth of experience and expertise to bear.

Senator Mark, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, recalled the pioneering role of Zwingina in the early stages of the current democratic dispensation in 1999 and lamented that a huge vacuum has been created by his exit.

He said: “Senator Zwingina was a pathfinder of sorts and a parliamentarian of international repute. Like Cicero, he was a great forensic orator and philosopher.

“He was an unrepentant democrat. He championed the struggle for democracy, human rights, and rule of law.

“As the then Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Media, Senator Zwingina used the platform to espouse the essence of civil rule, freedom, and rights of the citizens.

“Senator Zwingina has left a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“We are however consoled that he lived an eventful and accomplished life worthy of emulation.”

Senator Mark prayed that God in His infinite mercies would grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the immediate family, government, and people of Adamawa State the fortitude to bear the loss.