Kaduna declares Monday work-free to honour Bantex, ex-deputy governor

The Kaduna government has declared Monday, July 12, a work-free day in the state to honour the late Barnabas Bantex.

Bantex, who was the deputy governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2019, died on Sunday at the age of 65.

According to family sources, he died at a hospital in Abuja following a protracted illness.

While reacting to his death, el-Rufai had described the late Bantex as a dependable man of brilliance who brought “his unique insights as a politician with experience in navigating the diversity of our state”.

“The state government has declared Monday, 12th July 2021 as a work-free day in honour of his memory and service to the state,” a statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, special adviser on media to el-Rufai, read.

“Architect Barnabas Bala, who served as Deputy Governor of Kaduna State from May 2015 to May 2019, died today in Abuja.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai has sent a personal message of condolence to the family, noting that it was a blessing to know Bantex and to work with him. The governor acknowledged his commitment to the progress of Kaduna State and prayed God to grant him peaceful repose and to comfort his family.”