Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has described the late Vanguard columnist, Pini Jason as a consummate writer whose passion for the journalism profession was unmistakable and a source of pride to those who read every week.

According to a statement signed by Felix Ofou, his press secretary and made available to Blank NEWS Online, the governor lamented that the celebrated columnist died when his wise counsel and respected foresight on national issues were most needed, while noting that it will be difficult to fill the void left behind by the Imo State born journalist.

“You did not have to agree with everything he wrote. You may even think he was biased sometimes about what he wrote. But you could never miss the fact that he was very passionate about his passion. His sense of history also made him a compelling read. And I dare say he has left a void very difficult to fill”, he stated.

Dr Uduaghan expressed heartfelt condolences with the publisher of Vanguard, Dr Sam Amuka, the management and staff of the newspaper as well as the family of the deceased on the irreplaceable loss.

Mr. Jason Onyegbadue (Pini Jason), one of Nigeria’s renowned columnists with the Vanguard newspaper, died on Saturday, May 05, 2013 at the age of 65 in a Lagos hospital after undergoing a surgical procedure.

In 2007, he was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties to former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State. He was designated a special assistant on special duties.

Mr. Jason, who had earlier worked as a senior editor at the now defunct African Guardian is survived by a wife and several children.