The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i has confirmed the death of former deputy governor Barnabas Yusuf Bala, Bantex, saying he has lost a great friend and colleague in the state’s service.
The Governor mentioned this in a statement on Sunday and he said the news came in the midst of trying times and he received the news with sadness in his heart, the demise of his friend and brother His Excellency Barnabas Yusuf Bala (Bantex).
In the statement, he shared that from their undergraduate days in the 1970s till their practice begun in the construction industry as professional colleagues, Bantex was so dependable and brilliant and full of imagination. He believed that the state has the potential and capacity to work together to attain progress.
They took the task of providing new leadership for Kaduna in 2015, he did his duties as the Deputy Governor during the first term and he brought new ideas as a politician and he brought experience into how he solved matters in the state.
He also said Bantex served the people of Kaduna in different ways before he became the Deputy Governor State. He was a magnificent emblem of representative democracy as a delegate to the 1994 Constitutional Conference, head of the Kaura Local Government Council, and member of the House of Representatives for the Kaura Federal Constituency.
He also said he will miss his commitment, his brilliant ways, his outgoing ways. He said he will miss his intelligence and dedication to Kaduna State, as well as his easygoing demeanor, sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
Governor El Rufai extended his condolences to the family on behalf of the Government and the state. He said he shall work closely with them to ensure he is given a befitting funeral because he sacrificed so much even while he was ill.