Mr Simon Nwakaudu, a Special Assistant (Electronic Media) to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, has died.
This was announced by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
According to Nsirim, Gov. Wike has expressed shock over the incident.
The statement quoted Wike as describing Nwakaudu as “a loyal and dedicated professional, who contributed immensely to the implementation of ‘The NEW Rivers Vision’.
“The governor has condoled with the family of the bereaved on behalf of the government and good people of the state.
“He has also prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the great loss,” the statement said.
Nwakaudu died on Sunday at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), after a brief illness.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwakaudu’s demise has shocked journalists working in the state, with many describing his exit as “unbelievable”.
Mr Ruskin Amadi, a senior journalist in the state, told NAN that the news was “devastating”.
“This is bad news. It is a pity; life is truly a brief candle as captured in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
“I sympathise with Nwakaudu’s family,’’ Amadi said.
Mr Ignatius Chukwu, who reports for BusinessDay, said he was particularly worried about the little children.
“The children are still very young. This is really bad news,” he said.
In his reaction, Mr Dianabasi Effiong, the South-South Zonal Manager of NAN, described Nwakaudu’s death as “shocking and unexpected ’’.
(NAN)
