Former Plateau dep gov, Botmang, dies at 76

A former Governor of Plateau State, Chief Michael Botmang is dead. Botmang was said to have died in the early hours of Saturday in his Zawan, Jos South Local Government Area of the state. He was aged 76

Chief Michael Botmang, born 1938, was the two-term deputy to Chief Joshua Dariye from 1999 to 2007 and acted briefly as governor from 13 November 2006,, when Dariye was impeached by six out of the 24 members of the State House of Assembly. He held that position until 27 April 2007, when the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of Dariye. He was said to have died from complications arising from diabetes.

Former Commissioner for Information during the Dariye administration, Mr. Yakubu Dati, who confirmed Botmang’s death in an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, described him as a loyal deputy.

He said that Botmang discharged his duties diligently to the administration and the people of the state adding that he would be greatly missed.

Dati said, “His death is very unfortunate. Botmang was a loyal deputy, who discharged his duties faithfully to his boss, Dariye, especially during those turbulent years of the administration. He was an amiable person, who will be greatly missed.”