Gov. Orji Expresses Shock Over Senator Balat’s Death

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has expressed shock over the death of the Presidential Adviser on Special Duties in the office of the Vice President, Senator Isaiah Chawal Balat, 61, who died recently at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji who described late Balat as a focused, hardworking gentleman, said his death was not only a great loss to his immediate family but to the entire country.

According to him, late Balat was a politician of note whom he said played politics without bitterness adding that he contributed immensely to the development of his home state, Kaduna, in particular and Nigeria in general.

“As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Balat sponsored bills that impacted positively on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He supported motions on the floor of the Senate that were people-oriented.

He was a politician par excellence and a loyal party man (PDP) who made personal sacrifices to ensure there is cohesiveness in the party hierarchy at local, state and national levels. Above all, he believed in the unity and indivisibility of one Nigeria.

“I pray God Almighty to give his immediate family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Though his sudden demise is painful but we cannot question God why He allowed it. You should be comforted that he lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

“My heartfelt sympathy also goes to the government and people of Kaduna State. They should see their son's death as an act of God. I pray that his gentle soul rests in peace.”