ACN, CNPP, Aturu, others lament loss

The Action Congress of Nigeria has expressed shock at the death of Guardian Publisher, Chief Alex Ibru. Also leaders of thought under the aegis of the National Consensus Group commiserated with The Guardian management on the demise of its publisher.Similarly, the coalition of Niger Delta ethnic and civil society groups under the aegis of United Niger Delta Energy Development and Security Strategy said Nigeria had lost a fighter for freedom.Human rights lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, also described the late Ibru as an achiever whose legacies would last.The ACN, in a press statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Ibrus death was a great loss to Nigeria.The statement said, "His exemplary life of selfless service and entrepreneurship is worthy of emulation by all, especially at a time of rising self-centeredness and sheer greed in our society."It said one of the best tributes that could be paid to the memory of Ibru was for his Foundation and his pace-setting newspaper to continue to work hard to maintain and protect his legacy.Speaking through its spokesperson, Olawale Okunniyi, the NCG, said it considered the demise of Ibru a great blow to the Nations pursuit for a stable polity.The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Secretary General of the UNDEDSS, Mr. Tony Uranta, said the orgainsation was depressed that Nigeria and the Niger Delta had lost one of its own."Ibru was so courageous to have survived the Abacha darker days in the 1990s. The Niger Delta, and indeed, Nigeria has lost an icon, Uranta said.He said despite Ibrus civil rights activities, he was a great gentleman, who was greatly favoured by God to survive where others would have died.Aturu urged that Ibru should be celebrated for his commitment to democracy and belief in free press."Ibru is a very committed fellow and he showed it by his ability to sustain The Guardian through thick and thin, Aturu said.Meanwhile, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, South-West, has described the late Ibru as a frontline nationalist that contributed immensely to the social development of Nigeria.
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