By Matthew Ajai-Kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has described the death of the National Publicity Secretary of the Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin as shocking and quite painful.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Terver Akase, Governor Ortom has described the demise of Mr Odumakin as end of an illustrious career, marked by objectivity and patriotism.
“Odumakin was a voice of reason and a respected human rights activist whose contributions during the days of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leading to the country’s return to civil rule in 1999 will always be remembered,” he stated.
He recalled in particular, the dogged stance of Odumakin against herdsmen attacks on innocent people in Benue State and other parts of the country, when he fearlessly spoke the truth to the authorities, while he called for justice and insisting that all Nigerians should be treated as citizens with equal rights and privileges.
Governor Ortom consoled the family of the bereaved, the Southern and Middle belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) as well as friends and associates of the Late activist and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.