Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, have commiserated with the management and staff of Channels Television on Onuekwusi’s death.
In a statement wednewday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu Okowa said he received the news of the death of Onuekwusi with great shock.
The governor noted that he will be remembered for his good character, embedded candour, manifest brilliance, and fecundity reporting of events at the State House.
He described Onuekwusi’s death as a great loss, not only to Channels TV, the Onuekwusi family but also to the entire viewers of the leading news television station.
On his part, Obaseki said the media industry has lost a crucial soldier, whose reports, free of bias as they were, should serve as an example to other journalists.
The governor noted that although he did not know the reporter personally, he was no stranger to his works, adding that his reports smacked of professionalism and that they connected the public with the country’s seat of power such that everyone was up-to-date on what was going on.
He said: “I always feel touched when I hear that someone hardworking and diligent is no more. I feel the vacuum in creativity that has come with the passing of Onuekwusi and I hope Channels Television, a media outfit that demands professionalism, can find a way to cope with the irreplaceable loss of Onuekwusi.â€
The governor also admonished journalists in the country to remain on top of their game through hardwork, honesty, and commitment to their media outfits, while urging them to eschew blackmail and other such unethical conducts.
Also, forrmer Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, joined many other Nigerians to commiserate with the family of Onuekwusi and the entire management and staff of the highly distinguished television station.
Omisore, in a condolence message he personally signed, extolled the professional acumen of the distinguished newsman.
According to him, “Onuekwusi’s death is still a big shock to many of us who knew him well while he was alive.
“I’ve known Chukwuma since my framed/trumped-up charges days in 2003 in Ibadan. He covered the trial professionally and diligently! till I was discharged and acquitted. Since then he had earned my trust and friendship,†Omisore recalled.
“He was a fine gentleman and a thorough media professional. The Nigerian media industry will, no doubt, miss his invaluable contribution.â€
Omisore, therefore, prayed “that God should comfort his immediate family and members of the Channels Television organisation and grant them the fortitude to bear the painful and irreparable loss.â€
