President Muhammadu Buhari and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have commiserated with the media industry, particularly Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigeria Guild of Editors, over the passing of Waheed Bakare the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph.
In different statements on Monday, the President and the Speaker condoled with the late journalist’s family.
President Buhari in a communique signed by Femi Adesina, sent his condolences to the family of the deceased, and management of New Telegraph Newspapers, describing the editor’s death as a collective loss to the media and the nation that he served passionately with his talent.
“President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with the media industry, particularly Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), over the passing of the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph, Waheed Bakare.
“The President sends condolences to family of the deceased, and management of New Telegraph Newspapers, describing the editor’s death as a collective loss to the media and the nation that he served passionately with his talent.
“The President prays that God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all that mourn him,” the statement said.
Similarly, speaker of house of Reps,Femi Gbajabiamila described the passing away of the Editor as a sad loss.
Gbajabiamila also commiserated with the late Journalist’s family, the entire management and staff of the New Telegraph Newspaper over the loss, he also condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), stressing that Nigerian journalism has lost one of its dedicated members, whom he described as a diligent and hardworking individual.
According to the statement sent out by his special aide, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker prayed that the Almighty Allah will grant the soul of Waheed Bakare a good resting place.
Mr Bakare is said to have died on Sunday after a brief illness, his remains have since been buried according to Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, Many took to social media to mourn the loss, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and immediate past Senate President Bukola Saraki.