Tinubu, Idris mourn Leon Usigbe, Tribune’s Abuja Bureau Chief
By Emma Ogbuehi
President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have expressed profound grief over the death of Dr. Leon Usigbe, a veteran journalist with The Tribune Newspapers and a long-serving member of the State House Press Corps.
Both men hailed Usigbe’s exemplary journalism which they said gave Nigeria’s democracy a fillip.
In a condolence message released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid tribute to Usigbe’s professional legacy, describing him as a seasoned State House Correspondent whose commitment to ethical journalism and balanced reporting earned widespread respect across media and government circles.
“Dr. Usigbe was a professional whose dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials, and readers nationwide,” the President stated.
He noted that the late journalist’s calm demeanour and insightful coverage of presidential affairs significantly contributed to strengthening democratic governance and keeping Nigerians accurately informed about the activities of the presidency and the government at large.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the management and staff of The Tribune, and the entire State House Press Corps.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire State House Press Corps. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss,” he said.
On his part, Mohammed Idris described Usigbe’s passing as a monumental loss.
The minister in his condolence message said he received the news with shock and deep sadness.
“Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape. His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
