SENATOR Bola Tinubu has described his late eldest son, Jide, as a highly intelligent and vibrant personality and whose death, on Tuesday, as a grave personal loss and a reminder that humans should live each day to its best, as no mortal knows when his or last day shall be.
The former governor of Lagos State and the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made this known in a statement he personally signed and made available to Tribune Online.
The late Jide Tinubu, who was said to have been born on October 12, 1980, reportedly dropped dead after suffering from a heart attack in his home in Lagos, on Tuesday evening.
The bereaved father also lamented that he wished he could bring back his late son, but added that all he could do to honour of the memory of the dead was to be more caring and helpful to the living.
The former Lagos State governor said his late son was full of zest for life and followed his own course to make his way on his own terms, adding, “Those who knew him could not help but like him. Yet, he was taken away by cardiac arrest when it seemed he had so much life to still live.
“This is a reminder that we must live each day to its best as none of us know when our last day shall be. Mortality comes upon us all. We have no choice in that, but we do have a choice whether we shall be good or bad, just or unjust. Let us all strive toward the best in ourselves.
“Jide lived for so long in London and there he has left behind a darling wife and three precious boys. My wife, Remi and I have gone to London to be with them at this painful time to support and help them. Please excuse our absence from Lagos for a while, but it is essential that we are with them.
“Prayers are being offered and will continue to be offered for the repose of his soul. I have suffered a grave loss that no parent would like to bear. As a father, I must spend time putting my arms around the family he has left behind.
“We must seek a lesson in every loss. Your reaction to my son’s passing has taught me that we can be a people of profound love and humanity when we want to be. People of every tribe, region, faith and every political affiliation have expressed their sympathy and extended to me the embrace of a brother or sister.
“Even those who don’t agree with me politically have shown strong support and care indistinguishable from that of my associates. This says so much about the innate goodness in all of us. For no matter what, we are not foes or enemies. We are all of one human stock, a single nation, one family.
“I wish I could bring my son back, but I cannot. However, what I can do is to be more caring and helpful to the living as I know this is what Jide would want to become of his passing. Let us all take a lesson from this and think a bit more about our fellow man, our neighbor, our fellow Nigeria. Let us live as we were meant to live with each other in greater peace, compassion and love. If only this can happen, I know my son will be happy.”
The APC chieftain expressed his gratitude to all who have demonstrated their sympathy and condolences over the loss, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the state governors, Senate President Bukola Saraki, members of the National Assembly, APC leaders and members and the traditional rulers for their support.
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