The sudden death of ex-presidential candidate and former deputy governor of CBN, Dr Mailafia appears to be raising suspicions amongst Nigerians as a couple of individuals and groups have unreservedly expressed their views on the demise of the politician.
Well, this is not coming as a surprise owing to the fact that the economist was beset by problems with the government of the nation and placed under intense scrutiny by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force after he alleged in a radio programme that a northern state governor is the commander of Boko Haram. Also, he once stated that Nigeria is more insecure under the present Buhari-led administration than it was during General Sani Abacha’s administration.
Although he later recanted his statement on the Boko Haram menace, one can’t help but perceive the apparent oddity of the whole situation.
In reaction to the news of Mailafia’s demise, the National Consultative Front (NCFront) stated ;
“The Nigerian civic space is very hostile and dissidents are constantly being targeted by those in government.”
Well, could it be that Dr Mailafia, a dissident, who prided himself as the voice of the voiceless, especially regarding the killings in the Northern part of the country, was targeted?
NCFront went on to describe the death of a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Obadiah Mailafia, as “unbelievable” and promises to investigate circumstances surrounding his demise.
Also, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) expressed their misgiving on the sudden death of Dr Mailafia, stating that it suspects foul play in the demise of Mailafia. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Dr. Isuwa Dogo, the group reported that the deceased was treated shabbily at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, and calls made by the son of the deceased to mount pressure on his chest for resuscitation were rejected.
Below are statements made by other groups:
“For a person of interest to Nigerian government to arrive at a government hospital, just to be declared dead after a few hours, sure smacks of foul play,”
“SOKAPU demands thorough independent forensic analysis of their son’s death,” – SOKAPU
“We call on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that no foul play was involved in the death of Dr. Obadiah Mailafia. He had been violently targeted by some persons averse to his positions on how ethnic minorities in Northern Nigeria are being treated” – Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and Rule of Law Initiative
Well, as we continue to mourn, mull over and probe the painful demise of the statesman, we pray the deceased rests in peace and hope the family finds the fortitude to bear its loss.
