Jonathan, governors, others pay tribute to veteran journalist, Dimgba Igwe

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock at the sudden death of veteran Journalist, Dimgba Igwe.

‎Mr. Igwe, who was the vice chairman of Sun newspaper, was knocked down by a car Saturday morning while jogging along his street in the Okota area of Lagos. He died as he was rushed to a hospital.

President Jonathan said he received the news with shock, and commiserated with the Sun newspapers, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and all friends and associates of Mr. Igwe.

“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 … to the defense of truth and the public interest,” the president said in a statement.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said “The demise of Dimba Igwe, who was a personal friend of mine will leave a huge hole in the spectrum of journalism profession in Nigeria”.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, also condoled with the management and staff of The Sun over the death, saying Nigerian journalism has lost a star.

In a statement, the party called on the police to find and bring to justice the driver of the vehicle that knocked down Mr. Igwe.

The governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, expressed shock over the death which he said has again brought to the front burner the level of insecurity to lives and property in the country.

“His death brought back to mind in a flurry our last encounter. Last year I met him and his professional twin brother, Mike Awoyinfa. And after launch, we had a profound and robust discussion about a new Nigeria of their dream,” the governor said.

The national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, said the death was unbelievable.

“The tribe of great journalists in Nigeria has again been depleted by this sudden and most heart-breaking death,” Mr. Tinubu said.

The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said he was saddened by the news of the sudden death of the journalist, describing it as a big loss to journalism in particular and the media industry in general.

“I recall the last time I saw him and Mike Awoyinfa, when they came to interview me. I feel so sad that such a thoroughbred journalist, who still had so much to give to the journalism profession and indeed the development of our country died in his prime,” the governor said.