‘Bala Takaya’s Exit When Needed Most In The Struggle Creates A Vacuum’ – South/ MB Forum
The Oasis Reporters
May 27, 2018
By Moses Gbande
The transition of Dr Bala Takaya, the President of the Middle Belt Forum has been described as a loss to Southern and Middle Belt Leaders of one of its brightest stars.
In a statement issued by Yinka Odumakin -South West,
Senator Bassey Henshaw
-South-South
Dr Isuwa Dogo
Middle Belt
Prof Chigozie Ogbu
-South East, disclosed that Dr Takaya who would have been 69 on the 5th of November died in the early hours of Sunday 27th May 2018.
Until his death, Takaya was a distinguished University teacher ,consummate politician who served as the Secretary of the old Gongola State Government, member of the 1987 Political Bureau and the Governorship Candidate of the All Nigerian People’s Party in 1999.
He left an unblemished record in all his political engagements with uncommon dedication to the noblest of causes.
The last years of his life was devoted for emancipatory activities and the quest for a fair and just Nigeria based on the best practices of federalism.
His voice was clear, loud and unique in speaking the truth no matter whose ox is gored. He would not keep quiet in the face of wanton killings and official irresponsibility .
This is why his death would create a big vacuum in the politics of the Middle belt as he was very unique in the roles he played.
When leaders of this forum gathered around his hospital bed in Abuja some weeks back for several minutes of chatting and prayer, nothing suggested it was a valedictory session.
But we cannot question God who has chosen to call him home at a time we need him most as the struggle for the restructuring of Nigeria reaches its crescendo .
We thank God for his life and we promise him a befitting farewell a man of his stature and commitment deserves .
May God Almighty be with the family he has left behind and everything he laid his hands on while breathing.
