Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condoled with the family of the late Ambassador, Patrick Dele Cole, over the latter’s demise last weekend.
Fubara, in a statement he personally signed and sent to newsmen by his media aide, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Sunday night, described Dele Cole as a cerebral diplomat, an accomplished journalist, author, and administrator who devoted his entire life to the service of the country.
The governor described him as an illustrious son of Rivers State who devoted his life to the service of the nation, saying the late elder statesman belonged to that rare generation of Nigerians who put country above self.
Fubara further said Dele Cole’s death is a ‘monumental loss’ to his family, the state and Nigeria as a whole, especially now that his wisdom was needed in the face of the prevailing challenges.
The statement reads, “On behalf of the Government of Rivers State, I express my deepest condolences to the Cole family over the transition to glory of our beloved elder statesman and distinguished son of Rivers State, Ambassador Dele Cole, who was called to glory on Saturday.
“Ambassador Dele Cole was a cerebral diplomat, an accomplished journalist, author, and administrator who devoted his entire life to the service of our dear nation.
“From his days as a Special Adviser to the President on International Relations, to his tour of duty as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, he served with uncommon patriotism, dignity, and excellence.
“He was a man of great intellect and moral standing, whose interventions in national discourse were always illuminating, objective, and deeply patriotic.
“He belonged to that rare generation of Nigerians who put country above self.
“As a Government and as a people, we in Rivers State are proud of him and his contributions to the development of our region and the nation at large.
“His death is a monumental loss not only to his immediate family but to Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole, especially at this time when we need the wisdom of elder statesmen to navigate our nation through its present challenges.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, children, the entire Cole family, and to all who mourn this irreplaceable loss.
“I pray that the Almighty God will grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear this painful loss.”