By Austin Ajayi, Yola
Adamawa bid bye to an elder stateman Former Governor of defunt Gongola state, Ambassador Wibaforc Just,
The former Ambassdor to Zimbabwe in the last interview granted to The Authority Newspaper on Junebut12 celebration Nigeria27years after the annulment ,said “the declaration of June 12 as democracy day in Nigeria is wrong”.
“That day , June 12, our democracy was ripped due to injustice against what was acclaimed the most free and fair election ever held in Nigeria”
” This day should be declared a day of memorial”.
“I am preveledge to have seen yesterday, what happened in the political arena, I have also seen what is playing today in our political system but for the future, I can’t speak because only God knows”.
” I have played my part, I give my advice when the need arises,”
“I sincerely appreciate you for coming to hear my opinion on June 12, 1993, annulment, I may not have the chance again” .
These were the words of Baba Juta has is foundly called, two months after this preveledge opportunity to interview one of the most easy man I have ever met pass on to glory.
The former Deputy governor, former Governor and one time Ambassador to Zimbabwe was born 3rd of May 1944.
Started his political career in 1982 under the then GNPP, he contested the governorship tecket but lost norrowly to Abubakar Barde and was later picked as running mate for Gongola state.
He later became the governor when Gongola was splited to Adamawa and Taraba thus making him the first civilian governor of Adamawa state.
The administration was cut short by the military coup in December, 1983, Juta like most of his colleagues were sent to jail.
Amb. Wilbaforce Juta was among the few governor’s of that era that stayed up till he died mid August, 2020.
Juta, an elder stateman a community leader who served God to the best was a founding member of People’s Democratic Party and a member of BoT of PDP Adamawa state.
He has served in many board in the country among them is NDDC, currently the vice chairman of Middle Belt Forum.
He was appointed by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the Nigeria Ambassdor to Zimbabwe in 2003, a duty he perfored dilegentlingly.
An astute educationalists who rose from from a class room teacher to become a best principal in the north east region for a few years before vying into politics.
He held many degrees and masters degrees in Business management, and Masters of Arts Program.
He is survived by his wife four children and three grandchildren.
As he is been laid to rest today in his country home in Pakka, Maiya local government areas, Adamawa and indeed Nigerians will miss his wisdom and wealth of experience.
Until his death, he was the BoT chairman of the Government Christian Chapel.
Adio! Baba Juta.
