Buhari loses another aide

STATE House Director of Information, Mr Justin Abuah, is dead at age 57.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday, Abuah died on Sunday in Abuja after a brief illness.

Born on January 29, 1959, Mr Abuah, fondly called O.J, by all who knew and came in close contact with him, died on Sunday, August 14, in Abuja after a brief illness.

The late Abuah had a long and rich career at the Presidency, where he served seven past Nigerian leaders since 1986 when he joined the State House media office from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

His many colleagues, friends and admirers will fondly remember him as the man behind several presidential statements and speeches; and he demonstrated a rare sense of calmness and candour in service.

A native of Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Delta State, O.J is survived by his wife, Loretta and three children (Chinedum, Chike and Amaechi).

The statement said President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a condolence message to the bereaved family, noting that burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.

Abuah’s death came barely 24 hours after the death of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters, Mr Ayoleke Adu. He was aged 44.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, over the weekend, Adu, a diligent economic professional and Certified Financial Analyst, joined the Buhari presidency in 2015 from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Capital Securities Ltd.

The statement said, as a member of the President’s Economic Management Team and a presidential aide, Adu was deployed to the Office of the Vice President.

His burial arrangements will also be announced later.