…observes a minute silence as motion moved by Senator Lalong receives unanimous support
By Fatima Saka
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to the late Professor Janet Punyit Plang, wife of Distinguished Senator Diket Plang, who represents Plateau Central Senatorial District, following a solemn motion moved by Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South.
While addressing the red chamber, Senator Lalong informed his colleagues of the passing of Professor Plang on June 6, 2025, after a prolonged illness. She died at Jos University Teaching Hospital (Juth). where her remains currently lie in the mortuary, awaiting burial arrangements.
“The entire Plateau State is in mourning, and so is this Senate, because the deceased was not just a wife to one of us, but a woman of intellectual distinction,” Lalong stated. He described her as a renowned academic who lectured for many years at the University of Joseph and stood by her husband throughout his public service — from the Plateau State House of Assembly to his time as a commissioner and now as a senator.
He added, “As the Senator would often say, the late Janet was his partner in every sense, in politics, in service, and in life. May her gentleness always be in peace.”
Lalong thereafter moved for the Senate to observe a minute of silence in her honour, a motion that received overwhelming support from the chamber.
Presiding over the session, the Vice President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin I. Barau, acknowledged the life and contributions of Professor Plang, before leading the red chamber in observing the minute of silence.
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“May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Senator Barau prayed, while also assuring that the Senate stands with Senator Plang and the bereaved family during this difficult time.
The chamber was also reminded of the recent passing of another colleague, Senator Kepler, who died two days prior. Prayers were similarly offered for the peaceful repose of his soul.
