HIS journey on earth has ended. But the torrent of tributes continues. They came yesterday again from prominent persons, political and corporate institutions and religious organisations. A common theme ran through them: He was a great man. And the selflessness, patriotism and commitment to excellence that hallmarked the life of the late publisher of The Guardian newspapers, Dr. Alexander Uruemu Ibru, were beyond compare.For the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Ibru's death is a significant loss to the country. He said that Ibru made a truly outstanding contribution to the development of Nigeria's media industry. Anyaoku said that The Guardian newspapers, which he set up, had continued to live up to its inspiring motto of 'Conscience Nurtured by Truth.'Anyaoku said: 'I recall well Alex Ibru's visit to my office in Marlborough House in London soon after his hospitalisation following the attempt on his life in Lagos. He was clearly a great patriot who had accepted the invitation to serve his country as a federal minister in the hope of being able to make a difference. He will be longremembered for his efforts and passion for Nigeria becominga genuinelydemocratic country with worthy societal values.'The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) described the passing on of Ibru as the exit of a titan, calling his death a great loss to Nigeria in particular and humanity in general.In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said through his Trinity Foundation and newspaper, as well as his stint in government, the late Ibru touched the lives of many in a positive way and helped to strengthen freedom and democracy.''His exemplary life of selfless service and entrepreneurship, lived with uncommon humility and absolute faith in God, is worthy of emulation by all, especially at a time of rising self-centredness and sheer greed in our society,'' it said.The ACN also recalled Ibru's rare attribute of living life without bitterness, even after he was shot in what was generally believed to be an assassination attempt. ''His words, as quoted by The Guardian, is worth repeating here: 'I still don't know why they did what they did. Only God has the answer. Judgment belongs to God. I don't hate anybody, I don'tblame anybody.'''These words reflect the mindset of a man who eschewed bitterness even in the face of a personal tragedy. They offered a peep into the purity of his soul,'' the party said.It said that one of the best tributes that could be paid to the memory of the late Ibru was for his foundation and his pace-setting newspaper to continue to work hard to maintain and protect his legacy.The Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) said that it received the news of the passing on of one of its esteemed members, Ibru, with sadness.In a statement, the President of NPAN, Nduka Obaigbena, said that the late Ibru 'reshaped the Nigerian newspaper landscape with the founding in 1983 of The Guardian Newspaper which had as its mission, the desire to be among the five best English language newspapers in the world.'The emergency of the newspaper also came with improved conditions of service for journalists employed in the stable.'The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, called on the leaders in the country to learn from the contributions and sacrifice of the late Ibru.Speaking to journalists on his way to Abuja at the Presidential Lounge of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, he said: 'I was shocked; it is difficult for the mind to comprehend that the man that has contributed so much to the development of this nation and democracy, tobe more specific, will leave us at this time.'I think this is the time that Nigeria needs everyone and anyone that can contribute to strengthening the democratic process that we have on ground. My heart goes to the family and to the wife in particular.'Oritsejafornoted that the late Ibru had played his part, adding that 'there is nothing we can do now, he is gone. But my prayer is that we should not just spend our time praising him but to learn from some of the stands he had to take, like resigning at a time he had to resign, stepping away from certain governments when he ought to and he did the right thing at the right time.'The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr. Lateef Adegbite, while commiserating with The Guardian family, described Ibru's death as very shocking and painful. He described Ibru as a very distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur whose services would be greatly missed by all.Adegbite who spoke on phone from Canada said the publisher would be remembered as one who established a unique newspaper in terms of credibility, noting: 'In terms of dependability and reliability The Guardian is number one.'The NSCIA scribe said: 'It is on record that even in government the late Alex Ibru did not only give good account of himself but also left government with his integrity intact.
Click here to read full news..
