Chairman of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Mr Bala Takaya, died, yesterday morning, at National Hospital, Abuja, where he had been treating an undisclosed ailment. He was 68 years old.

The late politician hailed from Mabuguva, Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He obtained his first degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in 1974 and later proceeded to London School of Economics and Political Science, where he obtained another degree in 1978.

The deceased lectured in ABU and University of Jos.

In 1999, he contested the office of governor of Adamawa State on the platform of All Peoples Party, APP, but lost to Mr Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Atiku was later appointed running mate to ex-President, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo.

In 1987, Takaya was a member of the political bureau set up by the military regime of Mr Ibrahim Babangida to fashion out a new political order for the country.

He also served as Secretary to the old Gongola State government between 1979 to 1981.

He is known for his work ‘The Kaduna Mafia,’ a book he co-authored with Mr Sonni Tyoden, current Deputy Governor of Plateau State.

Takaya is survived by a widow and five children.

Vanguard