News Flash: Ex-Deputy Gov Barnabas Bantex Is Dead

News Flash: Ex-Deputy Gov Barnabas Bantex Is Dead

Arch Barnabas Bantex, a former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, has died.

iexclusive News Nigeria reports that during his first tenure in government, he served as Deputy to the present Governor of the State, Mallam Nasir ERufai.

Nasir El-Rufai and Arch Barnabas Bantex

El-Rufai acknowledged his former deputy’s death in a statement titled “It’s a VERY SAD DAY.”

“I have lost a great friend and partner in the service of Kaduna State in Barnabas Bantex.

“In the midst of difficult times, I was deeply saddened to learn of the departure of my friend and brother, His Excellency Barnabas Yusuf Bala (Bantex).

“From our days as undergraduates in the 1970s to our professional colleagues in the building sector and, eventually, partners in a governance project, Bantex was a dependable man of genius and innovation. 

Barnabas Bantex believed in our state’s potential and in the ability of our people to work together to achieve progressive goals. 

In 2015, we collaborated to provide new leadership for Kaduna State. 

During our first term, he brought his unique perspective as a politician with expertise managing our state’s diversity to his duties as Deputy Governor. 

Bantex exuded optimism and hope for our state’s future, even though the odds were stacked against him.

“Before becoming Deputy Governor, Banex had served the people of Kaduna State in a variety of positions. 

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 was a shining example of representative democracy.

“We will miss his brilliance and dedication to Kaduna State, as well as his easygoing demeanor, sense of humour, and devotion to his convictions.

“On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, I have called to his family and extended our condolences. 

We will work together with his family to give an appropriate farewell to a guy who given so much to this even though hampered by illness.

“We consider ourselves fortunate to have known Bantex and worked with him. We hope to God to bring him peace and comfort to his wife, children, and entire family during this time of sadness and loss,” the Governor wrote.