THE sad passage of Mr. Alexander Uruemu Ibru has not brought an end to an era. Rather, it has underscored the new spirit he undoubtedly introduced into the Nigerian journalism.Tagged the 'Flagship of Nigerian journalism', the newspaper he founded, The Guardian, appeared on the scene with Ibru deftly steering it through the not so-calm waters. Born into an entrepreneurial family, he is best known for this bold step in 1983, to open a fresh chapter in newspaper business. Having courted a coterie of intellectuals to the vision, The Guardian, embraced the mantra of "Conscience, Nurtured by Truth,' a saying of the Fulani warrior and scholar, Usman Dan Fodio. It was a clarion call to all, to always stay on the side of truth. This was the driving force behind what the late Ibru believed must be the face of media in any society. It was the only way to ensure a sane and progressive society that will uphold the fundamental rights of her citizens. The newspaper's magnetic pull, saw it become a platform for intellectual discourse and a revival of interest in an African literary movement. Indeed in its quest for the truth, the publication had brushes with the law, some of them quite unpalatable. Its audacious display of fearlessness and professionalism earned it the wrath of the Buhari regime. The imprisonment of Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor in 1984 over the publishing of reports the regime disapproved of, attracted world-wide acclaim for courage during those turbulent times. But more was to come. As the Chairman of the newspaper, Ibru was said to never interfere with what was published. Indeed, he was renowned for always saying he left press matters to the "experts." His foray into national assignment in 1993 under the Sani Abacha regime, brought mixed reactions from the public. But he famously defended his decision, to serve as Federal Minister of Internal Affairs for two years, by saying 'I did not want Nigerians to say that because Alex refused to contribute, things got worse in the country." The plot to murder him in 1996 brought all-round condemnation. He survived the incident, but lost two fingers. In his memoirs, he refers to his survival and recovery as "the imprimatur of the Almighty." That experience turned his life around, and according to him, culminated in renewed and re-energised vision. "God spared my life in order that I could serve Him and humanity more in my chosen ways." The Trinity Foundation and the Ibru Centre were birthed to actualise the new course; to serve God and humanity through philanthropy and support for ecumenical studies. Reputed for his fondness of white apparel, Ibru was not embittered by the attempt on his life: 'I don't hate anybody, I don't blame anybody', he once said. Alex Uruemu Ibru was born on March 1, 1945. He attended Yaba Methodist Primary School, Ibadan Grammar School, Igbobi College. He studied Business Economics at the University of Trent, formerly Trent Polytechnic. His business acumen was well-known and spanned across automobile, seafood and construction industries. Having followed in the path of his brothers into the corporate world, he was also Chairman Rutam Motors, before he launched The Guardian in 1983 with a passion to add value to the practice of journalism, and broaden the spectrum of newspapers in Nigeria's media industry. Under his steady leadership, new titles including an evening paper and a weekly magazine hit the news stands.Wherever the history of contemporary Nigerian journalism is told, Alexander Ibru will always get a mention for founding a newspaper that has stayed on the side of the people. As Nigerians come to terms with his demise, he will certainly stand tall as a man who envisioned a democratic society and who despite the travails of the time, chose to do something about it. Through the promotion of the pen, he has left an enhanced society. May his soul rest in peace.
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