Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Tuesday paid tribute to seasoned journalist, Malam Abdulkareem Al-Bashir, who passed away on Monday afternoon.

El-Rufai, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, described Malam Al-Bashir as a thorough professional who practised journalism according to the best ethics.

He lamented that Al-Bashir’s death has created a big vacuum in Nigeria’s journalism, considering the enormous professional challenges and the battles for Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The statement quoted Governor El-Rufai as saying: “I received the news of the death of our elder brother and seasoned journalist, Malam Abdulkareem Al-Bashir with deep shock but with total submission to the will of almighty Allah.

“He died at a critical time when Nigeria needs the best of media practice to help advance the goals of national rebirth and building bridges among Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnic and political inclinations.

“He was a man of vision; foresight and commitment to the unity of Nigeria throughout his over 40 years in journalism. His demise has created a big vacuum in Nigeria’s journalism and the Nigeria Project.

“It is on this premise, that I on behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State condole the family and pray that Allah SWT grant his soul Aljanna Firdaus.”

•Photo shows late veteran journalist Abdulkareem Al-Bashir.

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