‘You shouldn’t have left us on a date like this’ — Tinubu, Atiku, PDP mourn Dokpesi

President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, have condoled the family of Raymond Dokpesi over the death of the founder of DAAR Communications.

TheCable had earlier reported that Dokpesi died on Monday.

Raymond Dokpesi (JNR) announced the passing of his father in a statement on Monday.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29th, 2023,” Dokpesi (JNR) said.

“High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

‘A BLOW TO MEDIA INDUSTRY’

Reacting to the incident, Tinubu described Dokpesi’s death as a “blow” to the media industry”, adding that the media mogul’s investment was an inspiration to many people.

“The death of high chief Raymond Dokpesi is a blow to the media industry where he has played pioneering roles in private broadcasting,” the president was quoted in a statement by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, a media aide.

“His pacesetting investment in the industry is an inspiration to many who come after him.

“The history of the evolution of the Nigerian media industry will be incomplete without prominent mention of Dokpesi and his giant footprints on the media landscape.

“I express my sincere condolences to the management and staff of DAAR Communications and the family of the late media entrepreneur for this monumental loss.”

‘YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE LEFT US ON A DATE LIKE THIS’

Speaking at the 14th commencement of the American University of Nigeria, (AUN), Atiku said he was shocked when he received the news of the death of the media mogul.

“Oh my God! I am in a state of shock. I am in Adamawa, scheduled to return midweek before I received this shattering piece of news,” Atiku was quoted in a statement by Tunde Olusunle, his media aide.

“You shouldn’t have left us on a date like this, Ezomo. But what can we do? As we say in Islam, from God, we came and to Him, we return.

“My everlasting and deepest condolences to his family, associates and admirers. May God forgive his sins and grant him paradise.”

Dokpesi was an ally of the former vice president. He played a great role in the presidential campaign activities of Atiku.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described Dokpesi’s death as a “colossal national loss and a big blow to the party’s family”.

In a statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, the opposition party said it was “devastated” by the death of the media guru who, as a member of its board of trustees (BoT) of the party, was a “leading light”.

“He was a detribalised Nigerian, who put the interest and well-being of our nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes,” the PDP said.