Solomon Lar

Early Life and Background

Solomon Daushep Lar was born on April 4, 1933, in the serene village of Garandut, Langtang, within the present-day Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. He hailed from the Tarok ethnic group, a significant indigenous community in the Middle Belt region, whose history is intertwined with struggles for self-determination and recognition within the broader Nigerian federation. His early upbringing in a rural setting, marked by strong community ties and traditional values, profoundly influenced his later commitment to grassroots development and the welfare of marginalized populations. His primary education commenced at the Langtang Primary School, where he studied from 1940 to 1946. He subsequently attended the Sudan United Mission (SUM) Primary School, Gindiri, from 1947 to 1949. These mission schools, known for their rigorous academic standards and emphasis on character development, provided Lar with a solid educational foundation and instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and moral rectitude that would characterize his public life.

Education

Following his primary schooling, Solomon Lar pursued further education at the Gindiri Teachers College, also known as the Boys' Secondary School, Gindiri, from 1950 to 1952. This period equipped him with pedagogical skills, and he briefly worked as a teacher, a profession that further honed his communication abilities and commitment to societal upliftment. Demonstrating an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a keen interest in legal principles, Lar later embarked on a remarkable academic journey to study Law. He enrolled at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, a leading institution in Northern Nigeria. He successfully earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1970, a significant achievement at a time when legal education was highly valued in post-independence Nigeria. The following year, in 1971, he completed his professional legal training at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, after which he was formally called to the Nigerian Bar, marking his official entry into the legal profession.

Career

Lar's professional career began with teaching, but his true calling emerged in the political arena. He made his indelible mark during Nigeria's First Republic (1959-1966). In 1959, at the young age of 26, he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Langtang constituency. During his tenure as a federal legislator, he quickly distinguished himself as a vocal and articulate advocate for minority rights, particularly for the people of the Middle Belt, who often felt politically marginalized by the dominant regional parties. He was a prominent member of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC), which later allied with the Action Group (AG), championing the creation of a Middle Belt State to ensure greater autonomy and equitable development for the diverse ethnic groups in the region. His impactful contributions and leadership qualities did not go unnoticed, leading to his appointment as the Federal Minister of State for Internal Affairs in 1963. He later served as the Federal Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs, roles that provided him with invaluable experience in national governance and international diplomacy.

The military coup of January 1966 brought an abrupt end to the First Republic and Lar's ministerial responsibilities. During the subsequent years of military rule, he returned to his legal practice, leveraging his expertise to represent clients and maintain a connection with the civilian populace. With the promise of a return to civilian rule, Lar re-entered the political fray with renewed determination during the Second Republic (1979-1983). He contested and won the gubernatorial election for the newly created Plateau State under the banner of the Nigerian People's Party (NPP), becoming the state's first civilian governor. His governorship, from 1979 to 1983, was a period of significant developmental strides. His administration focused on extensive infrastructure development, including road networks, rural electrification projects, and the construction of vital public buildings. He prioritized education, establishing numerous primary and secondary schools, and improving healthcare facilities across the state. Furthermore, he was instrumental in fostering agricultural growth and creating more local government areas within Plateau State to ensure broader representation and grassroots development, earning him the affectionate title 'Emancipator' from his grateful people, a testament to his dedication to their welfare and progress.

His democratic journey was once again tragically interrupted by the military coup of December 31, 1983, led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari. Like many politicians of the Second Republic, Solomon Lar was arrested and subsequently imprisoned on charges of corruption by the military regime. He endured a significant period of detention, a harsh reality for many democratic advocates during Nigeria's turbulent military eras. Despite his incarceration and the suppression of democratic institutions, his commitment to democratic ideals remained unyielding.

As Nigeria grappled with prolonged military rule in the 1990s, Lar emerged as a pivotal figure in the struggle for the return to democracy. He became a leading voice within the G-34, a formidable group of 34 eminent Nigerian politicians who courageously challenged the military regime of General Sani Abacha and campaigned vigorously for a return to civilian rule. The G-34's principled stand, risking personal liberty and safety, was instrumental in putting pressure on the military and paving the way for the Fourth Republic.

When the ban on political activities was lifted in 1998, Solomon Lar played a foundational role in the complex and delicate process of forming the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He was unanimously elected as the party's first National Chairman, a position he held from 1998 to 2002. Under his astute chairmanship, the PDP successfully navigated the challenges of a nascent democracy and won the 1999 general elections, ushering in Nigeria's longest sustained democratic era. His leadership during this critical transition period was crucial in stabilizing the nascent democratic process, uniting diverse political interests, and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power from military to civilian rule. Even after stepping down as chairman, Lar remained an influential elder statesman, often referred to as a 'Pillar of Nigerian Politics.' He continued to offer invaluable counsel to successive governments, advocating for true federalism, resource control, and good governance until his passing.

Major Achievements

Solomon Lar's achievements are profound and far-reaching. He was a pioneering champion of minority rights, giving voice to the marginalized in the First Republic and laying the groundwork for greater equity in Nigeria's political landscape. As the first civilian governor of Plateau State, he is widely credited with laying the foundational infrastructure and administrative framework for the state's development, earning him the enduring title 'Emancipator.' Perhaps his most enduring legacy is his instrumental role in the formation and early leadership of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which was critical to Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999 after decades of military rule. His steadfast commitment to democratic principles, even in the face of military repression and imprisonment, solidified his place as a national hero and a symbol of resilience.

Personal Life

Solomon Lar was married to Professor Mary Lar, a distinguished academic, author, and educationist in her own right. Their marriage, which began in 1963, was a partnership that endured for five decades. They were blessed with five children. One of his children, Beni Lar, followed in her father's footsteps and became a prominent politician, serving as a respected member of the House of Representatives, representing the Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency. Solomon Lar was known to be a devoted husband and father, maintaining a strong family unit despite the demands of his public life. Professor Mary Lar passed away in 2019, six years after her husband, leaving behind a legacy of her own contributions to education and literature.

Legacy

Solomon Lar passed away on October 9, 2013, at the age of 80, in a hospital in the United States after a prolonged illness. His death was met with national mourning across Nigeria, reflecting his immense stature as a towering figure in Nigerian politics and a respected elder statesman. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and the welfare of the common people. He is fondly remembered as the 'Emancipator' of Plateau State, a visionary leader who laid the groundwork for its modern development. Nationally, he is revered as a founding father of the Fourth Republic, a principled advocate for human rights, and a national symbol of resilience and principled leadership. His tireless contributions helped shape the political landscape of modern Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on its democratic journey and inspiring future generations of leaders. He remains a revered figure, particularly in Plateau State, where his vision and leadership continue to be celebrated.