Ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara on Saturday buried his father-in-law Stephen Gonto in Mwari, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Mr Gonto, father of Dogara’s wife Gimbiya, was a retired master warrant officer in the Nigerian Army. He was born on June 20, 1942, and died on December 25, 2020.
In his tribute at the burial service, Dogara described his father in-law as a brave man with the face and heart of a soldier tempered by military training, adding that the late Gonto was a man who had sowed noble and fruitful seeds during his life time, praying fervently for his soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
“I received the news of my father-in law’s demise with sadness and pain. He fought wars, but displayed love and worked for peace, as if everything depended on it,” said Dogara.
“Very uncompromising, but a forger of consensus on so many fronts, firm as a rock, but very loving and caring.
“No doubt our hearts are filled with pain occasioned by your sudden departure, but we are nonetheless comforted by the fact that you led an effective life.”
On her part, Dogara’s wife Gimbiya said it was an honour for her father to have brought her into the world.
“If given another opportunity to choose a father, I will choose you again and again as a father who made a difference,” she said.
