Governor Samuel Ortom, on behalf of the government and people of Benue State, has deeply sympathized with the family and the entire leadership of the Middle Belt over the death of former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Obadiah Mailafia.
Recall that AfemaiReporters reported that Mailafia passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 after a brief illness at the Gwagwalada General hospital, Abuja.
And Governor Ortom described the sudden demise of the renowned banker and comrade for the emancipation of the minority groups in Nigeria as shocking and unfortunate.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, Ortom said 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 says 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 is 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 prays that God grants the soul of Dr Obadiah Mailafia eternal rest and his family, as well as all other comrades in the struggle for justice the strength to bear the loss,” the statement added.