The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Chief Godfrey Azubike, the South South/South East Bureau Chief of Verbatim Magazine and Vice Chairman of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ.
The Rivers NUJ in a statement signed by its Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley and Secretary, Ike Wigodo described the late Azubike as a legendary journalist, a thorough-bred professional and rare breed unionist whose inputs to the union will be hugely missed.
The statement read: “The Rivers NUJ has lost an iconic pen-pusher, elder and senior member of the pen fraternity. His peaceful and calm disposition to issues will be missed both the state council and the correspondents’ chapel. He will sure get a prominent mention whenever the history of the union will be written”.
It said Azubike’s death which occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2019, has put the union in a painful mood, but however advised journalists in Rivers State to take solace in the fact that the late journalist lived what it described as a worthy life.
While praying the Almighty to grant his immediate family, the correspondence chapel and the State Council the fortitude to bear the loss, the NUJ said a condolence register has been opened at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center, Moscow Road.
Meanwhile, the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel where the late Azubike served as Vice Chairman before his demise has also opened a condolence register at its Ikwerre Road office.
In the meantime, the 44 Emenike Street, Diobu, Port Harcourt residence of the late Chief Godfrey Azubike who hailed from Amuzi Dim-Na-Nume Community in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State, swarmed with sympathizers who came to register their sympathies in the condolence register opened on Sunday by the Chief Mourner and eldest son of the deceased, Mr. Stanley Azubike.
Among the early visitors to sign the condolence register was the National Chairman of Amuzi Progressives Union (APU), Mr. Obinna Otuonye who said his heart was broken by the sad news, lamenting that Amuzi community would miss Azubike’s characteristic fatherly counsel to the younger generation, praying God to preserve and protect those he left behind.
