President of the Senate Senator David Mark literarily broke down and struggled to fight back tears as the news of the death of The Guardian Assistant Political Editor John Abba -Ogbodo filtered into town.
Senator Mark in an unusual subdued voice lamented the untimely demise of Ogbodo whom he described as an accomplished Journalist and a worthy son of Benue State.
The President of the Senate noted that late Ogbodo was a vibrant, versatile and resourceful Journalist who was professionally minded at all times.
He said ” I feel so devastated. Ogbodo was like my son. Our relationship became stronger and cemented when I met him in the National Assembly as a Journalist, of course, being my relation and a member of my constituents, it was like home away from home for both of us.
“Death is an inevitable end. We don’t plan for it . It must come when it shall.But frankly speaking, this is one death so cruel.
” I sincerely sympathized with the immediate family, the Guardian house and the entire Nigerian media for this painful loss.
Senator Mark noted that added value to the practice of journalism in Nigeria saying he was a man of very high moral standing, who was well guided by the ethics of the pen profession.
He added that late Ogbodo died in the line of duty and urged the Press to uphold the virtues of hard work, sincerity and commitment to the ideals of nation hood which Ogbodo stood for.
