Danbaba Suntai

Early Life and Background

Danbaba Danfulani Suntai was born on June 30, 1961, in the small, serene village of Suntai, located within the Bali Local Government Area of what is now Taraba State, Nigeria. He hailed from the Kuteb ethnic group, a prominent community in the southern part of Taraba State. Growing up in a rural setting, Suntai's early life was shaped by the communal values and agricultural traditions characteristic of his region. His family instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and dedication, which would become hallmarks of his professional and political life. From an early age, Suntai demonstrated a keen intellect and a commitment to education, setting him on a path of academic excellence.

Education

Suntai's educational journey began at Ancha Primary School in Bali, where he received his foundational education from 1967 to 1973. Upon completing primary school, he gained admission to the prestigious Federal Government College, Kano, a highly competitive institution known for nurturing future leaders. He attended the college from 1973 to 1978, where he excelled academically and developed a broad understanding of various subjects. Following his secondary education, Suntai pursued higher learning at the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from 1978 to 1979, where he prepared for university admission. He subsequently gained admission to the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Veterinary Medicine. He successfully earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1984, graduating with distinction and demonstrating his profound aptitude for the medical sciences.

Career

Upon graduating from Ahmadu Bello University in 1984, Dr. Danbaba Suntai commenced his professional career as a Veterinary Doctor with the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture. He served in this capacity for one year, gaining practical experience in animal health and agricultural development. In 1985, he transitioned into private practice, establishing his own veterinary clinic, which he successfully managed for six years, providing essential services to local farmers and livestock owners. This period allowed him to develop strong entrepreneurial skills and a deep understanding of the economic realities of his community.

Suntai's foray into public service began in 1991 when he was elected as the Chairman of Bali Local Government Area, a position he held until 1993. His performance as local government chairman earned him recognition and paved the way for higher appointments. From 1993 to 1994, he served as the Director-General of the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture, leveraging his veterinary background to contribute to agricultural policy. He then moved to the Ministry of Education, serving as its Director-General from 1994 to 1996, where he played a role in shaping educational policies in the state. Subsequently, he was appointed Chairman of Taraba State Investment and Properties Limited from 1996 to 1997, overseeing state investments.

With the return to democratic rule in 1999, Suntai continued his public service as the Commissioner for Education in Taraba State, a role he held until 2000. From 2000 to 2003, he served as the Chairman of the Taraba State Water Supply Corporation, focusing on improving access to potable water for the state's residents. His consistent dedication and administrative acumen led to his appointment as the Secretary to the Taraba State Government (SSG) in 2003 under Governor Jolly Nyame. He served as SSG until 2007, becoming a central figure in the state administration and gaining invaluable experience in governance.

In April 2007, Danbaba Suntai successfully contested and won the gubernatorial election for Taraba State under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He was sworn into office on May 29, 2007, embarking on his first term as governor. His administration focused on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. His performance in his first term led to his re-election in April 2011 for a second term as Governor of Taraba State.

Major Achievements

During his first term as Governor of Taraba State (2007-2011), Danbaba Suntai initiated several transformative projects aimed at improving the lives of his constituents. His administration placed a significant emphasis on infrastructure development, leading to the construction and rehabilitation of numerous intra-city and inter-town roads, which significantly improved connectivity and facilitated economic activities across the state. Notable projects included the expansion and modernization of the Jalingo Airport, which enhanced air travel and opened up the state to greater investment opportunities. He also oversaw the construction of critical bridges, such as the Kpanti-Napu Bridge, which connected previously isolated communities.

In the education sector, Governor Suntai's government undertook the renovation and equipping of many primary and secondary schools, creating a more conducive learning environment for students. He also prioritized teacher welfare and recruitment, aiming to raise the standards of education in the state. In healthcare, his administration invested in the construction and upgrading of general hospitals and primary healthcare centers, particularly in rural areas, to improve access to medical services. Furthermore, Suntai's government implemented programs to boost agricultural productivity, providing support to farmers and promoting modern farming techniques, consistent with his background in veterinary medicine. He was also credited with maintaining relative peace and security in a state known for its diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Controversies

The most significant controversy and challenge of Danbaba Suntai's political career arose on October 25, 2012. While piloting a private Cessna 208 aircraft, which he owned, the plane crashed near Yola Airport in Adamawa State. Suntai, an experienced amateur pilot, sustained severe head injuries and other critical wounds. He was initially treated at the National Hospital, Abuja, before being flown to Germany for specialized medical care. This unfortunate incident marked the beginning of a prolonged period of incapacitation and triggered a profound political crisis in Taraba State.

His extended absence led to significant political uncertainty and infighting within the state government. The state House of Assembly initially appointed his deputy, Garba Umar, as acting governor. However, when Suntai was controversially brought back to Nigeria in August 2013, his physical and mental state raised serious questions about his capacity to govern. He appeared visibly incapacitated and unable to communicate effectively, sparking public debate and accusations that a political 'cabal' was manipulating his condition for their own gain. Despite calls for his resignation or a formal declaration of his incapacitation, Suntai was briefly presented as ready to resume duties, leading to a constitutional impasse. He was subsequently flown back to the United States for further medical treatment, effectively remaining absent from active governance. The political maneuvering and legal battles that ensued over his health and the leadership of Taraba State dominated national headlines, highlighting constitutional ambiguities regarding gubernatorial incapacitation in Nigeria. His second term largely concluded with his continued medical absence, and his deputy, Garba Umar, remained in charge until the end of the tenure.

Personal Life

Danbaba Suntai was married to Mrs. Hauwa Danbaba Suntai, who stood by him throughout his political career and particularly during his prolonged health struggles following the plane crash. Together, they had three children: a son and two daughters. Beyond his demanding political career, Suntai was known for his personal interests, which included a passion for aviation; he was an avid amateur pilot and owned a private aircraft. He also maintained an interest in farming, a reflection of his rural upbringing and professional background. He was a devout Christian, and his faith was a significant aspect of his personal life. His family life, while often private, was a source of support and stability amidst the public demands of his office.

Legacy

Danbaba Suntai's legacy is multifaceted, marked by both his developmental achievements and the tragic circumstances that curtailed his active leadership. He is remembered for his initial efforts to transform Taraba State through significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare during his first term. His commitment to rural development and improving the lives of ordinary citizens earned him considerable goodwill. The Jalingo Airport expansion and various road networks stand as tangible testaments to his administration's focus on modernization.

However, his second term was largely overshadowed by the devastating plane crash of October 2012 and its prolonged aftermath. The incident and Suntai's subsequent incapacitation created a constitutional and political crisis that tested Nigeria's democratic institutions and highlighted the need for clearer legal frameworks regarding leadership succession in cases of severe health challenges. His condition became a national talking point, symbolizing the vulnerabilities of governance in the face of unforeseen personal tragedies. Danbaba Suntai passed away on June 28, 2017, in Houston, Texas, United States, from complications related to the injuries sustained in the 2012 plane crash, just two days shy of his 56th birthday. His life and career serve as a poignant case study in Nigerian politics, reflecting both the aspirations for development and the complex challenges of leadership in a nascent democracy.