Jonathan, APC mourn late Dimgba Igwe

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condoled with the management and staff of the Sun Newspaper over the death of Pastor Dimgba Igwe, its vice chairman, on Saturday, saying the sad news of the untimely death was a shock.

“On behalf of himself, his family and the federal government of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends heartfelt commiserations to the publishers of the Sun newspapers, the Nigerian guild of editors, and all friends and associates of Mr. Igwe, for whom his unexpected death must be exceedingly painful,” special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, wrote in a statement.

“President Jonathan believes that the late Mr. Igwe will always be remembered as a hardworking and dependable professional, who, through his various writings as columnist, author and public speaker, demonstrated a special ability to convey the truth and his convictions in lucid, compelling prose, and in a style that was shorn of cant and foppery.

“As they mourn him, the president enjoins Mr. Igwe’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the knowledge that he put his God-given abilities to the best possible use in a very purposeful life that was wholly devoted to the defence of truth and the public interest, as well as the promotion of the highest standards of his chosen profession of journalism.”

He prayed that “God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the very forthright journalist and media administrator, and also grant his soul, peaceful repose.”

Earlier in the day, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement issued in Lagos by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, commiserated with family and friends of the late Igwe, and prayed that God would give them the strength to bear their loss.

It expressed shock and sadness at the sudden death of such a vibrant, cerebral and wonderful person, who had been a constant star in the
constellation of Nigerian journalism for decades, without compromising his personal and professional integrity.

The APC called on the police to find and bring to justice the driver of the vehicle that knocked down Igwe while he was jogging around
his residence.

“Words are not enough to describe the huge loss, to his family, friends, profession and indeed our entire nation, that Igwe’s death
represents. But we are sure the achievements he recorded in his lifetime will forever be a source of pride – and indeed a soothing
balm – to all,” the party said.

”May the good Lord grant repose to his soul and comfort those he left behind.”