John Shiklam in Kaduna
The remains of late former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Barnabas Bala, (Bantex), were laid to rest yesterday in his hometown, Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area amid tears and tributes.
Bantex, 64, who served as deputy to Governor Nasir El-Rufai between 2015 to 2019, died on July 11, in Abuja following a protracted illness.
In his tribute at the funeral which was held at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Manchok, El-Rufai described Bantex as one of the most honest and decent persons he had ever come across in life.
“Bantex was a brilliant man. But beyond that, he was one of the most honest and decent humans I have ever come across. I will miss my friend.
“We never argued in the four years he was my deputy except once when he told me he was going to resign. And there was no decision we took without getting his opinion as the final opinion,” El-Rufai said.
The governor said further that his late deputy would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the growth and development of Kaduna state.
Also in her tribute, the widow of the deceased, Ladi Bala said her late husband was “a peaceful and loving man who died with a smile on his face.
“He was a peace maker and his last words to me were thank you and thank you. My husband was all smiles as he passed away.
“Even the doctors said they had never seen anything like that. Our only consolation now is that he has gone to be with the Lord,” she said
Also speaking, President of ECWA, Rev. Stephen Panya, commended the deceased for the critical role he played in the life and history of the Church in Nigeria.
According to him, Bantex, an architect by profession, designed and built the present ECWA headquarters in Jos, Plateau state, stressing that the church would always remember him.
In his sermon, the General Secretary of ECWA, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, urged the people to build on the good legacies left behind by the deceased.
