He was a true patriot, Ortom mourns late Obadiah Mailafia

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.

It was reported that Dr Mailafia passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021, after a brief illness at the Gwagwalada General hospital, Abuja.

Reacting, the Governor in a statement released on Monday, described the sudden demise of the renowned banker as shocking and unfortunate.

Ortom noted that the nation would greatly miss the indepth contributions of Mailafia in the economic and political spheres of Nigeria, particularly at a time the country needed patriots in tackling the myriad of challenges confronting it.

“Dr Mailafia who has been under scrutiny and harassed by security agencies over his comments and stand 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 for fairness and justice.

“I’m saddened that much of the many ills the deceased spoked and worked against in collaboration with other comrades to enthrone peace and brotherliness have not been achieved, owing to deliberate bottlenecks created by certain individuals within the corridors of power.

“I pray 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 Governor said.