Nigerians mourn as former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Mailafia Obadiah suddenly dies with family sources giving insight into how he died.

This is even as the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has described the death of Dr Mailafia Obadiah as a great loss to humanity while shocked Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed condolence over his sudden demise, describing him as a vibrant activist and advocate of better Nigeria.

According to family sources, Dr Obadiah died in the early hours of Sunday at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief undisclosed ailment.

The activist, The Street Reporters Newspaper gathered, took ill on Saturday shortly after returning from a function.

He was said to have complained of discomfort and pain and was taken to Gwagwalada Hospital in Abuja and later referred to the National Hospital where he died on Sunday where he died.

In his reaction, the spokesman of SOKAPU, Luka Biyinnat, said the umbrella body of the Southern Kaduna people was shocked over the sudden news of his death.

According to him, his death was not only a great loss to Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State and Nigeria but also to humanity.

Biyinnat noted that his exploits were in development economics where he cut a niche for himself and touched hundreds of lives as a scholar and astute administrator.

“To us in Southern Kaduna, Obadiah was a patriot who was courageous and spoke to power in the language they understood. He was a scholar of international repute whose works will still remain even after his death.

“We want to extend our condolence to his immediate family in this honour of grief as well as to the Southern Kaduna people over the death of one of our celebrated sons,” he said.

The National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr Bitrus Pogu on his part said that the late Obadiah will be greatly missed by every Nigerian that cherished justice and abhorred injustice.

He said that the deceased dedicated his life to humanity, adding that he was one of the formidable voices in the Middle Belt and Nigeria.

“When it comes to fighting for justice, the late Dr Obadiah cannot be intimidated. He was a symbol of justice, equity and fairness. He lived a selfless life that cannot be forgotten in a hurry. He is a great nationalist, passionate leader and champion of a true Nigeria that would work for every citizen.”

The chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Plateau State chapter, Yakubu Bawa, who was the head of Dr Obadiah legal team during his travail with the DSS in Jos, Plateau State said the deceased was a strong critic of the economic policies of the present administration and canvassed the idea of restructuring, leading to full fiscal federalism.

According to him, before his death, he consistently condemned activities of criminal killers and herdsmen terrorising the Middle Belt and other parts of the country.

Bawa said the legacy the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria left behind will continue to be a shining light and beacon of hope for other activists and prayed for the protection of the family.

Source: StreetReporters.ng