Adamawa state Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has expressed shock and grief at the passage of former Governor of the defunct Gongola state and elder-statesman Ambassador Wilberforce Bafte Juta who died on Saturday August 15, describing him as an epitome of humaneness and service.

Governor Fintiri in a statement signed by his press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said he received the news of his death with a heavy heart, noting that he was a committed and versatile politician who brought his knowledge and ingenuity to bear on his calling.

He said, his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Adamawa and indeed Nigeria will forever be remembered. The Governor said, “ History Will remember Ambassador Wilberforce Juta as a great politician and Adamawa son. His legacy will live on”.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri described the loss of the People’s Democratic Party chieftain and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2004 as a tremendous loss to PDP and the state. He said both he and the people had been beneficiaries of the deceased’s great wisdom and service over the years.

Governor Fintiri who condoled his family, the people of Adamawa and PDP said Ambassador Juta was a great man. He said “In the years I knew him, his moral and physical strength and his dedication to service were an inspiration to me”.

According to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, “Adamawa felt his impact in various sectors, especially in education and politics. I will miss not only his wise counsel , but also his person and all he stood for”.

The Governor who prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the grace to bear the loss, notes that history will remember late Juta because he made his mark in politics and service to humanity and in the lives of numerous individuals.

As a mark of honour to the late elder statesman, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has declared a three day mourning period commencing Saturday 15th August, 2020 and flags are to fly at half mast.