Condolence messages have continued to pour in over the death of the Saturday Editor of the New Telegraph newspapers, Alhaji Waheed Bakare.
The latest are those by the government of Imo State and an Islamic non-governmental organisation, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State described Bakare’s death as painful.
He said he died when his services were needed most.
Uzodimma said the late editor’s death was a loss, not just to the media community but the nation.
The Imo State Governor said though death was inevitable, that of Bakare reminded all that the death of one person diminished all as mankind.
He prayed God to grant Bakare’s soul a peaceful repose and to comfort the family, particularly the widow, the children, the aged mother and other family members that he left behind to mourn his passing.
In its condolence message signed by its Public Relations Officer, Shefiu Ayorinde, MURIC said: “We are saddened by the sudden death of Waheed Bakare. He was an amiable fellow, humble, honest and God-fearing. He was very passionate about his job and committed to the course of humanity. We are enveloped with grief.
“Our sympathy goes to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Waheed Bakare is another sunset at noon. We feel your pain. However, we appeal to the NUJ to ensure that families of their fallen colleagues, including Waheed Bakare, are not abandoned to their fate.
“We pray that Almighty Allah overlooks the deceased’s trespasses and admits him into Al-Jannah firdaus in the Hereafter. May Allah also give the family left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.”
