Oyegun, Lai Mohammed, Atiku, others mourn former NUJ Chairman

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has joined in condoling with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death of Mr. Chuks Ehirim, the immediate past chairman of the Abuja chapter of the NUJ.

Others who have condoled with the family NUJ included Information Minister, Lai Mohammed and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Odigie-Oyegun in a condolence letter to the National President of the NUJ, Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile prayed that the Almighty God gives the soul of the late Ehirim, who died on the day he turned 50 eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.

His words: “On behalf of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), may I express my heartfelt condolences on the shocking death of the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja chapter, Mr. Chuks Ehirim who passed away on his 50th birthday, Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Abuja.

“It is terrible to hear about the sudden death when we thought he was recovering from his ailment. May the Almighty God give the soul of the late Chuks Ehirim eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.

“The late Chuks Ehirim was one of the first persons I interacted with soon after I became National Chairman of the APC and I found him most knowledgeable, professional and a man who believed in the unity and potentials for greatness of our nation.

“I also recall, with satisfaction, the late Chuks Ehirim years of meritorious and unblemished record of service in the media profession. He went on to lead the Abuja Chapter of the NUJ between 2012 and 2015 from where he passionately advocated for the rights, welfare and security of journalists in Nigeria.

“Indeed, the journalism profession has lost an illustrious son. Nationally, the late Chuks Ehirim used the journalism profession and activism to propagate progressive and democratic ideals in the country.

“As we mourn the loss of the late Chuks, I am with you in thoughts and prayers. May his soul rest in peace. Adieu Chuks Ehirim”, it added.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also condoled with the Nigeria NUJ.

In a statement in Abuja, the Minister said he received the news of Ehirim’s demise with shock and sadness, describing him as a patriot and quintessential journalist who committed himself to the pursuance of improved welfare and security for journalists in Nigeria.

He called Ehirim’s death a huge loss to the journalism profession, and prayed that God will grant repose to the soul of the deceased and grant his family and the NUJ the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, the APC Press Corps on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family to condole with his widow, Mrs Easther Chuks Erihim at his Kuje Residence in Abuja.

Chairman of the Press Corp who led the delegation, Mr. Onyebuchi Ezigbo while speaking during the condolence described the death of the erudite journalist as shocking, but told the wife to take solace in God as she is not alone in the lost.

He described the demise of Comrade Erihim as a national loss, which was indicated in the caliber of people paying tribute to him with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and National Chairman of the ruling party APC among others.

Ezigbo told the widow that the Press Corps came to console her and the family and to also assure her that she is not alone in the loss as the press corps would ensure they offer assistance in their own little way that would help her take care of her children and the rest of the family.

On her part, widow, Mrs. Easther Erihim described her late husband as a caring and loving husband who is going to be greatly missed.

She said his last words to her were inspiring as he promised to always be with her, and asked her to ensure she takes good care of the children.