By Sunday Iduh
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has described the sudden demise of Dr Obadiah Mailafia, renowned banker and comrade for the emancipation of the minority groups in Nigeria as shocking and unfortunate.
The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Benue State, sympathizes with the family and the entire leadership of the Middle Belt over the death of the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank.
Governor Ortom’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase which was made available to journalists on Monday in Makurdi.
According to the statement, the governor noted that, the nation will greatly miss the indepth contributions of Mailafia in the economic and political spheres of Nigeria, particularly at a time the country needs patriots in tackling the myriad of challenges confronting it.
He said Dr Mailafia who has been under scrutiny and harassed by security agencies over his comments on the killings in Southern Kaduna will be remembered, not only for standing for justice for his people in that region but other marginalized people in Nigeria.
Governor Ortom stated that he was particularly saddened that much of the many ills the deceased banker spoke and worked against in collaboration with other comrades to enthrone peace and brotherliness, like the invasion of various communities by Fulani militia across the states of the federation have not been achieved, owing to deliberate bottlenecks created by certain individuals within the corridors of power.
He prayed that God grants the soul of Dr Mailafia, as well as all other comrades in the struggle for justice eternal rest and their families the strength to bear the loss.
Dr Mailafia passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 after a brief illness at the Gwagwalada General Hospital, Abuja.