Lalong mourns Late Dr Bala Takaya

By Golok Nanmwa

Plateau state governor Simon Lalong on Monday  commiserated with the  Family of Late Dr. Bala Takaya .

Our correspondent reports that  Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Bala Takaya, died, recently , at the National Hospital, Abuja, where he had been treating an undisclosed ailment.

In a statement  personally signed and made available to newsmen in Jos by Gov Lalong  reads that tribute to a  fallen hero Dr Bala  Takaya  (1949 – 2018)”

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once”. These were the words credited to Julius Ceaser by William Shakespeare and they rightly capture the life of Dr. Bala Takaya who on account of several struggles for the emancipation of minorities of the Middle Belt came face to face with the feared effects of death, but conquer it all until the end itself arrived. 

The statement also reads that “The Late Bala Takaya was a Veteran Political Scientist, who was every inch a practical and radical reflection of his Education. His leading role in the Middle Belt Socio-cultural Struggle for inclusive Governance, which repeatedly called the attention of State Actors to the multi-ethnic configuration of Nigeria in the last four decades is worthy of note. He was a purveyor in identifying the visible ethno-religious indicators that were threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria, and as is typical of progressive minded people, his pursuit for a just and egalitarian society, saw him standing in the frontline and joining hands with other progressives, to advocate for justice and equity in public space.”

“I remember his many academic contributions and of particular note, is his co-authored book with our own Deputy Governor, Prof Sonni Tyoden titled “The Kaduna Mafia” which was published in 1987. In it he sought to liberate the mind of generations as to the need to fight the manipulation of the peoples common heritage and commonwealth, by a few to the detriment of the majority.”

“The Late Takaya died standing like every Gallant Warrior in War! He will be remembered for his struggles, academic prowess and immense political contributions, in shaping the Nigerian Political landscape for inclusive and participatory democracy.”

“Now that he is gone, his legacies will continue to beam the virtues he lived for, and the lessons to be drawn will show generations to come the value of living for something or falling for everything.”

“As the dark clouds of grief hover over the Family, Friends, Associates and all who have come close to experience his infectious personality, I enjoin all to rest assured of a bright future in the comfort the Lord Almighty will avail.”

Lalong further said that ” Our dear Takaya is gone! But he has no doubt left an indelible print in our memory and for this; I convey the condolences of my family, the Government and good people of Plateau State.”

“May the gentle soul of our dear General in the progressive line of battle and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace with the Lord. Amen.” 

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Gov. Lalong mourns Late Dr Bala Takaya