Solomon Lar facts for kids

Chief (Dr.) Solomon Daushep Lar (4 April 1933 – 9 October 2013) was an important Nigerian politician. He held many different jobs in the government for over 50 years.

He was a member of Nigeria's first national parliament when the country became independent in 1960. Later, he was elected as the governor of Plateau State. He served as governor from October 1979 until a military group took over the government on 31 December 1983. General Muhammadu Buhari then came to power. Solomon Lar also helped start the People's Democratic Party (PDP), a major political group in Nigeria.

Quick facts for kids Solomon Daushep Lar
Member of the Federal Parliament
In office January 1960 – January 1966
Constituency	Lowland East
Governor of Plateau State
In office 1 October 1979 – 31 December 1983
Preceded by	Joshua Anaja
Succeeded by	Samuel Atukum
Minister of Police Affairs
In office November 1993 – 1994
National Chairman of People's Democratic Party
In office 1998–2002
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Barnabas Gemade
Personal details
Born	(1933-04-04)4 April 1933 Langtang, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Plateau State, Nigeria)
Died	9 October 2013(2013-10-09) (aged 80) United States
Spouses	Prof. Mary Lar; eldest daughter, Dr. Chalya Lar

Early Life and Education

Solomon Lar was born in April 1933 in Pangna, a village in Langtang, Plateau State. His father was a farmer, and his mother made pottery.

He went to the Sudan United Mission Primary School in Langtang. Then, he attended the Gindiri Teachers College. After finishing his training, he became a teacher at the Primary School in Langtang. He later returned to Gindiri to get a higher teaching certificate. He had thought about becoming a religious leader.

Starting a Political Career

In January 1959, Lar was chosen as a councilor for the Langtang Natives Authority. This was a local government role. On 12 December 1959, he was elected to the Federal Parliament. He represented the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) party.

He was re-elected in 1964. From then until January 1966, he worked as a parliamentary secretary. This meant he assisted the Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He also served as a junior minister in a government department.

Becoming a Lawyer

After the democratic government was replaced by military rule, Lar went to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. He studied law and graduated in 1970. He became a lawyer in 1971.

He then started his own law practice. He also helped create the Nigerian Legal Aid Association. This group helps people who cannot afford a lawyer.

In 1972, Lar joined the board of a mining company. He also became the head of the board of directors for the African Continental Bank. He was part of the Nigeria Council of Legal Education. From 1977 to 1978, he was a member of the Constituent Assembly. This group helped write the country's constitution. He also served on a panel that suggested increasing the number of states in Nigeria from 12 to 19.

Serving as Governor

When Nigeria returned to civilian rule, Lar helped start the Nigerian People's Party. In 1978, he was chosen as the party's candidate for president. However, he later ran for governor of Plateau State and won. He became the first elected governor of the state on 1 October 1979. His deputy was Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma.

As governor, he worked to improve the state. He built hospitals, schools, and roads. He also brought electricity and water to rural areas. He changed state employment laws. For example, he ended the daily pay system and allowed paid time off for new mothers.

In December 1983, the military took over the government again. General Muhammadu Buhari set up special courts to try former governors. Even though Lar was found not guilty of stealing money, he was sentenced to 88 years in prison. He was held in prisons in Jos and Lagos. Later, General Ibrahim Babangida reviewed his case and released him.

During another attempt to return to democracy in 1992, Lar supported the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was appointed Minister of Police Affairs by General Sani Abacha's government. However, he resigned when he felt that Abacha was not serious about bringing back democracy.

Leading a Major Political Party

In 1998, as Nigeria prepared for its Fourth Republic, Solomon Lar became the first National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He held this important position until 2002. He then handed over the role to Chief Barnabas Gemade.

In 2004, he also stepped down as chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees. He remained an influential figure in the PDP. In 2005, he supported Vice President Atiku Abubakar during a disagreement with President Olusegun Obasanjo. He also supported Atiku's attempt to become president in 2007. In 2006, Lar welcomed the decision of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, to run for president. He believed that in a democracy, anyone should be allowed to run.

Lar was a strong supporter of the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. He was active in the Middle Belt Forum. In Plateau State, he believed the state should help its original inhabitants benefit from their freedom from Hausa influence. He also spoke about how the Middle Belt was not getting enough attention, despite its contributions to national unity. He mentioned the sacrifices made during the Nigerian Civil War. He also expressed concern about unfair treatment of Christians in the North.

In February 2010, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan asked Lar to lead a special committee. This committee was tasked with finding ways to prevent more violence in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

Death

Solomon Lar passed away on 9 October 2013. He died in an American hospital after being ill for a long time. He was 80 years old.