Tributes have continued to pour in for the late renowned journalist, Peter Enahoro popularly known by his pen name as Peter Pan who died Tuesday, at the ripe age of 88.
Prominent Nigerians as President Muhammadu Buhari, 2023 President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker, House of Representative, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have continued to eulogise the late prolific pen pusher for his untiring efforts in advancing the standard of journalism profession and what he represents.
Buhari in his message, extended his deep heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of Peter Enahoro.
The condolence message which was endorsed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President noted that as a gifted and iconic journalist, author and publisher, Peter Enahoro earned the public trust by his fearless writings, tenacity, and commitment to the pursuit of truth.
According to Buhari, the passion of the former Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director of the Daily Times, Assistant Publicity Officer, Department (now Federal Ministry) of Information and Pioneer Chairman, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission for public service was second to none, and he used his knowledge and mastery to mentor people, who have also added value to journalism practice in the country.
While reacting to Peter Enahoro’s death, the 2023 President-elect of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday, described Enahoro as a patriot journalist, who devoted his entire working life and journalism career to the quest for a better Nigeria where every citizen can find joy and fulfilment.
Tinubu in a statement signed by one of his aids, Tunde Rahman, said “The news of the death of Mr. Peter Enahoro at 88 brought sadness because our society is always better and enriched by the wisdom of our venerable senior citizens like veteran journalists in the class of Peter Pan who shaped and changed the course of history with the power of their pen.
“An author, businessman and publisher, Mr. Enahoro will be remembered, and forever cherished for his unwavering belief in the greatness of Nigeria and for using the instrumentality of media practice to promote good governance, rule of law and social justice in our country.
“His seminal book, ‘How To Be A Nigerian,’ published in 1966 will be a reference material on good citizenship. Mr. Enahoro accomplished so much within the media profession and nation-building, becoming Editor of the highly influential Sunday Times at the age of 23 in 1958, and Editor of the Daily Paper in 1962 before assuming the position of Editor-in-Chief in 1966.
“He returned home from his sojourn abroad in the 90’s to also man the position of Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the same Daily Times.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the immediate family, associates and lovers of this famous and committed Nigerian nationalist, even as I urge us all to follow his examples.
“Peter Pan did extraordinarily well for the journalism profession and for Nigeria. I wish him eternal rest.”
In the same vein, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tuesday, expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s famous journalist, Peter Enahoro, popularly known as Peter Pan.
With the passing of Peter Pan, Nigeria has lost one of its finest journalists who lent their voices for the betterment of the country, Gbajabiamila said.
He said as a columnist, Mr. Peter Enahoro used his pen patriotically, calling attention to the salient issues in the society.
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in his words, said “I join the Enahoro Family of Uromi, and numerous Nigerians in mourning the death of iconic journalist, Mr. Peter Enahoro, popularly known by his pen name, “Peter Pan,”
“His role in using journalism -his profession of choice -in advancing Nigeria’s independence struggle is well recorded and regarded. His famous book, “How to be a Nigerian” placed our country in the historic and literary limelight.
“He was a great advocate and crusader for democracy and good governance, who consistently decried military anti-politics in Nigeria. He will be sorely missed. While praying for the repose of his soul, I also pray for his family to have the fortitude to bear this huge loss.”
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in his reaction, described the late Peter Enahoro as a journalist among journalists. “His death is a loss not only to the media fraternity but also to Nigeria as a country, as he was a patriot who saw far ahead of many writers. The ink of his pen flowed with the kind of foresight that can only come from a keen understanding of the issues affecting our country.
“His interventions over the years, especially in the early days of Nigerian independence, were aimed at bridging the ethnic and religious divides through satire, and his works remain relevant to date.
“I am saddened that he did not live to see the becoming of Nigeria and Nigerians – a country united beyond diversity. The subject of his first published work, How To Be A Nigerian, remains a burning concern for anyone who is a Nationalist.
“My condolences go to his family, the media community in which he was a giant with so many protégés and to the entire country, which has now lost one more patriot.”
