{NEWS ZONE} UPDATED: TINUBU LOSES FIRST SON JIDE

All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chairman Henry Ajomale yesterday broke the news of the death of Jide, APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son.

In a memorandum to party members, Ajomale said: “Dear member: It is with regret that I inform you of the demise of Mr. Jide Tinubu, son of our dear and esteemed leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Please commiserate with him.

Thank you.”

Reactions to the death were swift. Governors Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) visited Asiwaju Tinubu at his Abuja home yesterday before the former Lagos State governor left for Lagos.

The APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, said: “The APC has received the sad news of the death of Jide Tinubu, son of the former governor of Lagos State and the party’s National Leader, H.E. Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with great shock and grief.

“It is never easy losing a child or any loved one. Indeed, it is hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Many who met the late Jide Tinubu, who was a lawyer, fondly described him as cerebral, industrious and full of life.

“In this moment of grief, the party offers its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to His Excellency and other immediate family members over the painful loss. May the outpouring of sympathy and the comfort in knowing that the late Jide’s death is felt by many, help the family through this difficult time.

“We pray Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the late Jide eternal rest.”

House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara said: “I commiserate with our national leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the demise of his son Jide.

“I was shocked to receive the sad news of the sudden death.

“The late Jide was a lawyer of high repute, who cut his teeth in the maritime sector and was hardworking and enterprising.

“It is saddening that a father buries his son. I can only imagine your pain and grief at this time.

“I pray God almighty to grant you and your family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser Communication and Strategy Yomi Layinka, expressed regrets over the death of a promising and ebullient young man.

Ajimobi described the sudden death of the APC national leader’s son as not only shocking but also unfortunate and disheartening.

He said: “My dear Asiwaju, please accept my heartfelt condolences. On behalf of myself, family and the good people of Oyo State, I pray that God will give you the strength and courage to bear this monumental loss.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying period. With Jide’s death, the country has lost another shining star and future leader. May the Almighty comfort his wife, children and the entire family.”

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described “Babajide’s death as painful and unexpected, and a huge loss, to the Tinubu family and the larger family of progressives in the country.

Akeredolu, who described the death of any young and promising son as an irreparable loss to the father, wishes that the good Lord will grant Tinubu and his family the strength to bear the loss.

He said a promising young Nigerian had departed this sinful world when he is expected to join other people of like minds to serve their father land.

Asking Nigerians to continue to pray for the Tinubu family, Akeredolu urged the frontline APC leader to take solace in the fact that God giveth and God taketh. The statement was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan tweeted: “My deepest sympathies to Asiwaju and family on the great loss you have suffered. May God grant your son Jide repose in His bosom.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed shock and anguish over the sudden death.

In a personal message, the Waziri Adamawa commiserated with the Tinubu family, counseling them not to lose faith in the will of Allah despite the oddity of the present pain and challenges they may have found themselves in.

“Nothing happens in this world without the will of Allah. How long we live or when to die is all ordained by the Almighty. But it’s most heart-breaking for any parent to bury his or her own child,” Atiku said.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the Asiwaju and the rest of the family the fortitude to bear “this huge loss”.

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi requested the Obaze Campaign Organisation to observe a minute’s silence when he heard the news and prayed to God to grant the departed eternal rest and those he left behind the courage to bear the loss with equanimity.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel sent his heartfelt condolence to Tinubu and his family on the sad passing of his son.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Ekerete Udoh, Emmanuel prayed God to grant the family the strength to bear this sad loss.

“As a parent I can imagine what you are going through. May God give you the strength to remain strong during this time of your bereavement. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa, in a statement, said: “I received with shock and great sadness earlier today the news of the demise of Mr. Jide Tinubu, son of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“My heart and prayers are with Asiwaju and his family at this time of grief. May the soul of Mr. Jide Tinubu rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

The Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Gani Adams, described the death as most unfortunate and devastating.

In a statement by his Director of Media and Communication Femi Adepoju, the Aare Ona Kakanfo said: “It is with shock that I received news of the death of your son.

“His death is most unfortunate and devastating.

“The fact that the departed has potentials and very promising makes the loss more painful.”