President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the government and people of Kaduna State to mourn Mr Barnabas Bala Bantex,64, who died in Abuja on Sunday.
The late Mr Bantex was the deputy governor between 2015 and 2019, which was the first term of Governor El-Rufai in office.
He stepped aside to seek the senate seat for Kaduna South Senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but lost to PDP in the 2019 general elections.
Buhari, in a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja, described the deceased as a “true gentleman and consummate professional”.
According to him, Bantex will be fondly remembered for his many years of distinguished service in his home State, his patriotism to the nation as well as forthrightness in politics.
The president also affirmed that the former Deputy Governor, was a potent voice on peace, stability and progress.
The president extended his deepest condolences to the family, friends, associates and many followers, who benefited immensely from the responsible stewardship the deceased offered as a public servant and political office holder.
He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those mourning the irreparable loss.
